Chapter 53 Sweet and Sour Pork, Wedding Banquet
If the dough is too thin, add flour; if it's too dry, add water. This process is repeated several times until the dough in the wooden basin becomes a mushy mess again.
When Qingjiu saw Qiao Jiaxing, she almost cried, "Second Brother Qiao, what brings you here?"
"My fifth sister asked me to tell you that she'll be bringing you dumplings later, so you don't need to make any," Qiao Jiaxing said.
"Really!" Qingjiu jumped up excitedly, the dough on her hands scattering everywhere, some even splashing onto Lu Zhao's face. "That's wonderful! You saw it yourself, no matter how we kneaded the dough, it wouldn't hold its shape. I've never done this before, it was really too difficult for me! Brother Qiao, when exactly does your food shop open?"
He really didn't want to cook for himself anymore. He couldn't afford restaurants, and the other street stalls were not only closed down, but their food wasn't as good as Qiao's.
Qiao Jiaxing said that the business would open on the third day of the Lunar New Year. "On the first day, my fifth sister planned to sell braised food at the City God Temple."
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, many people burn incense, and they also want to go out and have fun, so they bring some braised food to sell.
"I want to buy it! Let us know before you leave," Qingjiu said immediately.
"Okay, I've got it." Qiao Jiaxing looked at the dough in the wooden basin, and finally took the dough with him; he couldn't let it go to waste.
Qingjiu and Lu Zhao both breathed a sigh of relief. Qingjiu washed his hands and sighed deeply, "My lord, I need to keep an eye on the pot the whole time we're steaming sausages today."
"I'll do it." Lu Zhaoxin didn't trust Qingjiu. As expected, what they were eating today was steamed sausage and cured meat, as well as dumplings sent by the Qiao family.
Thankfully, there are Qiao's dumplings; otherwise, it would be hard to be happy.
When Qiao Mianmian saw the dough her second brother brought back, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "I told you they didn't know how to knead dough, but this is too much. I'll add some flour and knead it again, and then I'll make hand-pulled noodles. Luckily there are a lot of people in the family, otherwise we wouldn't be able to finish it."
After kneading the dough, she set it aside for later use. Today is New Year's Eve, and she would take out whatever good things she had at home to make.
With a large family to help, Qiao Mianmian had a much easier time. She helped her aunts prepare the dishes, and at noon, she first stewed the chicken soup and mutton. An hour before lunch, she started making braised pork.
Braised pork is a dish you never get tired of, and Uncle San's family has never eaten braised pork made by Qiao Mianmian.
Cut evenly marbled pork belly into chunks and first fry it in a pan to render the fat, which will prevent it from being greasy. Then caramelize rock sugar, add the pork belly, star anise, boiling water, etc., and simmer in a clay pot.
Just smelling the aroma, Mr. He in the kitchen kept drooling. "Mianmian, you made it so fast, and it smells so good!"
"Making braised pork isn't difficult. Auntie, try it a few more times when you get back, and you'll be able to make it just as delicious." Qiao Mianmian was preparing to fry the pork tenderloin. The tenderloin had already been marinated and was fried twice in the oil. Later, it would be coated with sweet and sour sauce. Kids love this dish the most; it's sweet and sour, and Qiao Mianmian herself likes it too.
Mrs. He helped by tending the fire and also learned to cook. However, she would look at many dishes and write down the steps, but when she turned to cook a new dish, she would forget the previous ones.
After a while, when the sweet and sour pork was ready, looking at the glistening sauce coating the pork, Hercules kept swallowing and couldn't resist taking a bite.
The sauce was still hot, its sticky texture touching my lips and teeth, its sweet and sour flavor awakening my taste buds. With each bite, I first experienced the crispy outer shell, followed by the tender and juicy pork tenderloin inside.
Mrs. He accidentally swallowed it in one gulp and said regretfully, "I ate it before I even had a chance to savor it. Mianmian, you're amazing. How does Chef Zhou next door to your grandmother know so many dishes?"
“It wasn’t all taught by her,” Qiao Mianmian said. “After setting up the stall, I helped people organize banquets and went to many restaurants. I memorized all the dishes I saw. How could I have learned so much in just a few days with Aunt Zhou? Don’t you think so?”
“That makes sense.” Mrs. He thought it made sense and took the dishes out.
To get from the kitchen to the front hall, you have to go through a door. The front hall of the Qiao family's house is not sealed off. It's a bit cold to eat here in the dead of winter, so two braziers are lit in the hall. Qiao Huanhuan and the other children roast tangerines on the braziers.
"Huanhuan, stop eating tangerines, we're about to have New Year's Eve dinner." Mrs. He gently reminded her, and then touched Qiao Huanhuan's chubby cheeks. "Jiasheng, take your sister to wash her hands. Look at you, your face is all burnt black."
Qiao Jiasheng touched his face and chuckled, "My face is naturally dark."
In the front hall, everyone set out bowls, and Qiao Youfu led his sons in burning paper money to pray for blessings. In the back kitchen, Qiao Mianmian was cooking while directing others to serve the dishes.
The aroma of food lingered in the Qiao family's kitchen. Finally, the dumplings were cooked, and Qiao Mianmian served Lu Zhao and his brother a large bowl, along with a bowl of braised pork and braised fish. "May you have abundance every year. Fish is a must for the New Year. Eldest brother, second brother, take this to Lord Lu. He and Qingjiu haven't improved at all. They've lived here for months, and their cooking skills haven't improved a bit."
“Everyone has their strengths, and Lord Lu’s talent doesn’t lie in cooking.” Qiao Jiaxing smiled and carried the dishes to the Lu family’s house.
Lu Zhao looked at the Qiao brothers in surprise when he saw there was still fish meat.
Qiao Jiaxing relayed his sister's words, "Lord Lu, I wish you a Happy New Year. After the New Year, please continue to patronize my family's food stall and stop cooking for yourself."
Lu Zhao was already hungry. "Please thank your family for me."
This was his first time spending New Year's Eve away from home. He had thought it would be a lonely and miserable time, but the Qiao family sent him hot dumplings and dishes.
After the Qiao brothers left, Qingjiu ate a dumpling and a piece of braised pork, and tears streamed down his face. "Sir, Miss Qiao is so kind. She even thought of sending us food. If she asked me to go through fire and water, I would do it without hesitation!"
The dumplings were filled with pork and cabbage. Dipped in a little vinegar, they were so delicious that I couldn't stop eating them. Qingjiu ate five dumplings in a row and almost choked.
Lu Zhao was also moved. The two of them ate a simple yet extraordinary New Year's Eve dinner, and could hear the joyful laughter from the Qiao family across the street.
Suddenly, he felt a pang of envy for the Qiao family. With such a harmonious family, life must be more hopeful, right?
It's true; everyone in the Qiao family has their own expectations.
The Lin couple hoped to pay off their debts as soon as possible, Qiao Manyu hoped her children would grow up quickly, and Qiao Manhua prayed for her children's safety every day.
The younger generation has its own ideas. Qiao Mianmian hopes to earn more money so that the whole family can enjoy a better life. In the future, there will be someone to do the laundry and cleaning, and she and her family will only need to focus on earning money.
"Everyone, fill your cups! Today is Lunar New Year's Eve. The old year has passed, and we hope our family will be even better in the new year!"
Qiao Youfu stood up and was overjoyed to see that all his children and grandchildren were doing well.
Qiao Mianmian also poured some rice wine, but after only taking a small sip, her cheeks instantly turned bright red.
Seeing this, Mrs. Lin smiled and patted her, saying, "My darling has grown up so much, she's become a beautiful young lady!"
Upon hearing this, Qiao Mianmian moved closer and said, "I can help Mom with so many things now."
"Yes," Lin said with deep emotion, downing her wine in one gulp. "Come on, everyone, let's eat! We need to finish everything!"
This was the most lavish New Year's Eve dinner the Qiao family had ever had, with chicken, duck, fish, and meat all included. Moreover, Qiao Mianmian was an excellent cook, and everyone ate to their heart's content.
"I can't take it anymore, I'm too full." Qiao Jiacheng clutched his stomach and rubbed it.
Qiao Jiaxing nodded in agreement, "I'm so full. If only we could have this much good food every day!"
Qiao Jiasheng and Qiao Jiaxi nodded together, thinking to themselves that those were truly wonderful days they couldn't even imagine.
The Lin family of this generation also ate their fill. The three Qiao brothers were all drunk, and Mrs. He was also drunk and was helped back to her house.
Zhou didn't drink, but worked quietly, helping to clear the dishes. In the end, she took her three children home, while Qiao Manyu, who was drunk, was left behind.
Everyone agreed to visit the City God Temple the next day, and that's how New Year's Eve passed.
As for staying up all night on New Year's Eve, Qiao Mianmian couldn't manage it. She secretly ran back to her room to sleep because she was too tired today.
The next day before leaving home, Wang Chuang came over and suggested we go for a walk together. The people from the second and third families were very curious about him, and the children from both families kept pestering him with questions.
In the blink of an eye, the New Year passed. As the saying goes, gatherings must end. The third branch of the Qiao family returned home on the second day of the Lunar New Year, and Qiao Mianmian's family also went to Linjia Village to pay New Year's visits. Everyone set off together, parting ways at the city gate.
Upon arriving at Linjia Village, Lin wanted to see her granddaughter and daughter the most. Before going to the Lin family home, she went to her daughter's home first, only to find out that her daughter and her husband had gone to the Lin family home early in the morning. She then hurriedly ran to her parents' home.
The New Year's greetings were the same as before, nothing special. Lin Yongnian's youngest daughter, who had gotten married, also came back, and together with Lin Yongquan's family, the courtyard was packed with people.
Qiao Mianmian and her group returned to Lin'an that day and started setting up their stall the next day. Their first customer was Lu Zhao and Qingjiu.
"Give me four bowls of noodles!" Qingjiu held up four fingers.
Lin asked, "Are there any other people coming to eat?"
"No, Auntie, it's just the two of us eating," Qingjiu sighed. "You have no idea how hard it is for my husband and me when you're not setting up your stall."
Madam Lin laughed, "That's right, you even burn the sausages when you steam them, let alone other dishes. Auntie will give you some extra noodles, eat more today and make up for what you missed."
On the first day of reopening in the new year, many regular customers knew about it. Some came specifically to order a bowl of noodles, while others brought their relatives to try it out.
It's still cold outside, so eating a bowl of hot noodles and drinking the bone broth is so refreshing.
The stall continued until the Lantern Festival, which was the day of Qiao Jiawang's wedding. Qiao Mianmian naturally took charge of cooking, and Qiao Manhua and his family of three also came. The Lin family also came from Linjia Village.
Also arriving were the Qiu family couple. Qiu Shaohui stopped before reaching the alley entrance, listening to the lively sounds coming from not far away, and took two deep breaths.
"What? You're afraid to go?" Ning felt embarrassed. "I told you not to come so early, but you insisted on coming. When Lin's brothers come later, they'll call him 'Uncle,' and you won't even know who they'll be calling?"
"Why are you talking so much today?" Qiu Shaohui frowned.
Ning snorted, "I don't understand you. Before, when the two brothers came to visit, you weren't very friendly, you didn't even offer them a meal. But this time, for Jiawang's wedding, you're so generous, you actually gave ten taels of silver as a wedding gift, and you even sent it over early. Qiu Shaohui, do you think our family is so well-off that money grows on trees?"
Their family brews and sells wine. A few months ago, Qiao Mancang came to buy wine, but Qiu Shaohui said they were out of wine and wouldn't sell it to him. Then he turned around and gave him a generous gift.
"Stop arguing, it's over." This was Qiu Shaohui's second visit to the Qiao family since his sister's passing.
He had just entered the alley when no one recognized him yet, but when he arrived at the Qiao family's door, Qiao Manyu was the first to recognize him.
"Oh, it's Uncle Qiu! Please come in. Why didn't you come for dinner yesterday? We even had Jiaxing specially invite you." Qiao Manyu smiled and invited him in, but Qiu Shaohui completely ignored him.
Upon entering the courtyard, Qiu Shaohui went directly to Qiao Jiawang's house.
As soon as Ning entered the door, she exclaimed in surprise, "Good heavens, this is all made of camphor wood, it must have cost a lot of money!"
"At least they have some conscience," Qiu Shaohui snorted, then headed towards the front hall.
Ning said from the side, "I advise you to smile more. Since you're here, cheer up and don't keep a long face. If your sister sees you like this, she won't let you off the hook after you die!"
Qiu Shaohui pursed his lips, as if he hadn't heard Ning's words. After sitting down in the front hall, he didn't go to talk to anyone.
Ning sighed as she looked at her husband, then put on a smile and went to find Zhang. "Auntie, we're here. Is there anything we can help you with?"
"Oh dear, I can't trouble you at all. We took care of everything the past few days." Zhang looked at Ning warmly. "You've come so early, have you eaten yet?"
Ning said she ate it.
“Then I’ll have Jiaxing get you some wedding cakes.” Zhang said, calling over her second grandson. “Your uncle and aunt are here, why aren’t you talking to them? Don’t run around, there are people to take care of things at home, you should entertain them properly.”
Qiao Jiaxing only saw his uncle Qiu during the Spring Festival and other holidays throughout the year, so they weren't very familiar with each other.
Seeing Ning Shi now was also awkward, and he didn't know what to say.
However, he was still quite quick-witted. Hearing his grandmother mention wedding cakes, he quickly went to get them and poured tea for the two of them. "My eldest brother has gone to pick up his bride. You two can try some wedding cakes and some sweets. Why didn't you bring your younger cousins? It would be so much better to bring them along for the feast on this joyous occasion!"
"The wine at home needs someone to help. The two of us are fine. You go and do your thing. I don't need you to go out of your way to entertain me." Qiu Shaohui still had a stern face.
Qiao Jiaxing dared not leave, so he could only sit down and try to make conversation.
When Lin came out of the kitchen, she saw the Qiu couple and paused for a moment before coming over to greet them. However, Qiu Shaohui's expression was indifferent, and she couldn't continue the conversation even though she wanted to.
When they reached the other side of the courtyard, her sister-in-law pulled her aside.
"Are those two sitting in the front hall from the Qiu family?" Madam Zeng glanced at them, not liking the Qiu couple at all. "That Qiu guy, his face is so dark. If he's really unhappy, why did he come over? He only has one younger sister, and Jiawang is his nephew. It's so disrespectful of him to have such a long face at a time like this."
"Sister-in-law, stop talking," Lin said in a low voice. "It's already very kind of them to come at all. You mustn't upset them."
"Oh dear, do you think I'm that kind of person?" Madam Zeng said with a pout. "Besides, you've been so careful serving them, and they still don't give you a kind look. Never mind, I won't say anything more. You go ahead and get busy, I'll go help in the kitchen."
After her sister-in-law left, Madam Lin looked towards the front hall. This was the first time Qiu Shaohui and his wife had visited since she married into the family. Fortunately, Jiaxing was there with her, otherwise the scene would have been too embarrassing.
However, she was busy today and was soon called away.
Every household in the alley had their doors open. Today, the Qiao family was holding a banquet, and the feast had to be set up in the alley. The tables, chairs, bowls, and chopsticks were all borrowed from each other's homes.
Lin and Qiao Mancang not only had to make arrangements for each guest, but also had to tell the neighbors not to be shy and to make sure they were seated at the table.
The table was set up all the way to the alley entrance. By the time Lin and Qiao Mancang arrived at the alley entrance, the wedding procession had returned.
The matchmaker and Mrs. Lin waved goodbye and hurried home.
While the wedding ceremony began in the front yard, Qiao Mianmian in the back kitchen was extremely busy, having just finished stir-frying bamboo shoots and pork belly.
"Fourth Sister, I really want to go and see it." Qiao Mianmian has never seen a wedding ceremony before.
Lin Xiahe was in charge of plating the dishes. "We don't have time right now. After you finish cooking, we'll go check on your sister-in-law."
“That’s true, we’re just that capable.” Qiao Mianmian rolled up her sleeves and continued cooking.
In the backyard, a simple stove made of red bricks was set up on the ground, on which pork head soup and chicken soup were simmering. While the fish was simmering in the pot, Qiao Mianmian also had to go out to add salt to the soup for seasoning.
After the banquet, Qiao Mianmian was exhausted, her hands and back ached, and she was still hungry.
After all the dishes were served, Qiao Mianmian and her sister took a bowl of chicken soup with rice and another bowl of various side dishes to their new house.
"Sister-in-law, I am Mianmian."
"I'm Xia He, we've brought you some food."
Hu Qianqian, her head covered by a red veil, nervously placed her hands on her lap. "I...I'm not hungry."
Qiao Mianmian handed over the bowl and chopsticks, "How could I not be hungry? I came over early this morning and it's already late afternoon. You still have to wait for my older brother to lift the veil. Don't worry, Mom asked us to bring this. I'll hold the red veil for you, so you can eat slowly."
Hu Qianqian remembered her parents' instructions. As a new bride, she should be sensible and perceptive. Just as she was thinking that she still couldn't eat, her stomach rumbled twice, making her face burn instantly.
"Don't be shy, no one outside can see us. You eat first, then we can go eat." Qiao Mianmian squatted to the side, thinking that the ancient wedding ceremony was tiring. If she were to get married, she would definitely hide a few fruits in her sleeves.
Hu Qianqian then picked up her chopsticks and began to eat. She ate very slowly. After she was full, Lin Xiahe helped her find the chamber pot. The two sisters very considerately took care of all her discomfort, so she was no longer so nervous.
"Xia He, Mianmian, thank you." Hu Qianqian sat down again, and although there was a red veil over her, she was smiling.
Qiao Mianmian: "We're family now, no need to be so polite. You wait here, I'll go check on my brother, make sure he doesn't get drunk, today is your special day."
She ran out with a grin, and when she got to the front yard, she saw the Hu brothers pouring wine for their eldest brother. She quickly called over a few of her cousins.
After the wedding banquet, everyone in the Qiao family was exhausted.
The two Lin brothers left after finishing their meal, no matter how much Madam Lin tried to persuade them to stay, they insisted on going home. In reality, they knew the Qiao family couldn't accommodate them all, and they couldn't stay until Xia He's wedding.
Only Lin Wangchun and his wife stayed; they would return after Xia He got married.
After most of the people had left, Qiu Shaohui and Ning Shi got up and left. The Qiao family members were all busy with their own affairs and didn't notice them.
As they reached the alley entrance, Madam Ning sighed, "Finally, I see Jiawang getting married. If your sister were still here, it would be perfect. Look at you, how could you drink so much? You drink every time someone comes to toast you, and when people ask who you are, why don't you just say you're Jiawang and Jiaxing's maternal uncle?"
"What do you know?" Qiu Shaohui took a few steps and leaned against the wall to rest. He finally laughed. "They say that if you have a stepmother, you'll have a stepfather. If I'm affectionate with Jiawang and Jiaxing, will their stepmother be happy to see that? She'll feel uncomfortable."
"I need to keep my distance from them and have the Lin family treat them better. As long as they grow up safely, what does it matter whether we're close to them or not?"
"So all these years, you haven't even been willing to give anyone a meal because of this?" Madam Ning was both angry and amused. Finally, she wiped her eyes and said, "Alright, hurry up and go. The children at home are waiting."
Qiu Shaohui stood leaning against the wall, took a deep breath, and then took Ning's hand. He also wanted to invite them to have a meal and to visit his home more often, but he didn't dare.
His sister only had two children, and she couldn't let go of them even on her deathbed. Today, when the Lin family was also there, he just ate and drank in silence, and when others asked who his maternal uncle was, he didn't answer a single question.
As the sun set, Qiu Shaohui and his wife walked in the afterglow, their shadows stretched long.
"uncle!"
After calling out "Uncle" twice, Ning turned around first, "It's Jiawang and Jiaxing!"
Qiao Jiawang was carrying an oil paper package. Qiao Jiaxing had drunk too much and stopped, leaning against the wall to vomit.
"Uncle and Aunt, why didn't you say goodbye before you left?" Qiao Jiawang handed over the things in his hands. "There's braised pork knuckle and sweet and sour fish inside. My cousins didn't come, so let them have a taste too."
As he spoke, he scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly, and, emboldened by the alcohol, added, "I am truly delighted that you have come today."
Looking through his nephew's face, Qiu Shaohui seemed to see his sister when she was young, and he was speechless for a moment.
After a while, seeing Qiao Jiaxing stand up from the ground, she pursed her lips before speaking, "Jiawang, before your mother passed away, she kept telling me to take good care of you brothers as you grow up. Fortunately, you met good people. Lin Shi... she's a very good person. You must take good care of your parents in the future."
"Yes!" Qiao Jiawang nodded vigorously.
"And then there's Jiaxing. Your mother was most worried about you. You were only two or three months old then. She was afraid you wouldn't grow up properly and that you would be bullied. She prayed to God every day to make sure you grew up safely."
Qiu Shaohui raised his hand and this time patted his nephew on the back. "Don't blame her for abandoning you. She didn't want to."
"Uncle, I..." Qiao Jiaxing's eyes welled up with tears, "My mother... doesn't she blame me?"
"Silly child, why blame you?" Qiu Shaohui took a deep breath. "Everyone has their own destiny. If God wasn't good enough to her in this life, He will definitely make it up to her in the next. She can't let go of you, how could she blame you?"
"Alright, I'll take the things. You all go back now. Jiawang, you still have your wedding night to attend to." At this, Qiu Shaohui laughed heartily, and Ning Shi, who was beside him, quietly tugged at his arm.
Ning said, "Yes, go back quickly, we have to go back too. Take care of yourselves, we'll come back for the wedding banquet after Jiaxing gets married."
"Okay, you must come!" A gust of wind blew away Qiao Jiaxing's tears. He watched his uncle and aunt walk away before turning around, only to find that his older brother was in tears.
“Jiaxing, I remember what my mother said to me back then.”
Qiao Jiawang twitched his nose. "She said we should grow up well."
Long-forgotten memories surged back, and Qiao Jiawang recalled those whispered words:
"Jiawang, Jiaxing, you must...you must grow up well, you must."
The two brothers stood there, stunned, until Qiao Mianmian came running over, "Big brother, why are you still here? Sister-in-law is waiting for you to lift the veil!"
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