Chapter 55 Spring Pancakes
Bamboo shoot cakes are made by mixing mashed spring bamboo shoots with stir-fried glutinous rice flour, adding seasonings such as fermented rice wine and chili powder, shaping them into cakes, drying them until semi-dry, and then deep-frying or pan-frying them. Finally, they are sprinkled with a handful of white sugar before eating.
It tastes good even without sugar; it all depends on personal taste. Some people also add some pork belly, which gives it a meaty flavor.
However, the bamboo shoot cakes I made in the afternoon only had a slightly firm crust, so I could only cut them into pieces and fry them in oil.
Qiao Mianmian loves to eat dishes made from wild ingredients in the countryside, and since the locals also know how to make bamboo shoot cakes, she tried making them herself.
The bamboo shoot cakes are deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside.
Qiao Mianmian was afraid of getting a sore throat, so she didn't dare to eat too much. She tried one first. "Fourth Sister, can you help me..." When she turned around, she realized that it was her sister-in-law tidying up the cutting board behind her. She smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, can you get me a plate?"
"Okay, okay." Hu Qianqian wiped the plate clean and handed it over. Before she could say anything, Qiao Mianmian fed her a bamboo shoot cake.
Is it edible?
"tasty!"
"As long as it tastes good." Qiao Mianmian enjoyed watching others finish the food after making it; it gave her a great sense of accomplishment. "Alright, leave the rest to me. Go and call everyone to get ready to eat."
There was still some mutton left at home from yesterday, so Qiao Mianmian added some radishes to stew it, and stir-fried a bowl of bok choy, which made up her dinner.
After dinner, Hu Qianqian learned to make braised dishes from Lin Xiahe, while Qiao Mianmian, having nothing to do, sat on the doorstep watching people come and go in the alley.
"Erlong, come here." Qiao Mianmian beckoned, and Erlong came running over excitedly. "Let me see if our Erlong is still as strong as ever?"
She pinched Erlong's cheek, which made Erlong laugh out loud. Just then, Chunsheng from across the street came over, grabbed a few fruits, and shared them with them.
"Here...here you go." Chunsheng stretched out his hand, but his head was tilted to the side, not daring to look at Qiao Mianmian.
Qiao Mianmian had just finished eating and gave all the food to Erlong, saying, "Remember to share with your brother, don't eat it all by yourself."
She had just finished speaking when Ms. Jin came out to look for someone.
"Erlong, come back and wash your hands and face. Stop playing. Go play with your Aunt Qiao tomorrow," Jin shouted from the doorway.
Chunsheng's mother also came out. "Chunsheng, go fetch water. The water tank is almost empty. We need to fetch water for cooking tomorrow morning."
She went to look at Qiao Mianmian again, "Oh Mianmian, the ground is cold, don't sit on the threshold, go home quickly."
"Okay." Qiao Mianmian replied with a smile, but didn't move.
It was Lin who came over and patted Qiao Mianmian, and Qiao Mianmian yawned and went back. There was no other entertainment at night, and she went to sleep soon after dark.
Qiao Mianmian now has a very good daily routine, and her skin is fair and rosy with a healthy glow.
The next day when I went to set up my stall, Manager Wang from Fumanlou came to order again, "I'd like a stir-fried bracken with cured pork, and do you have spring pancakes?"
Spring has arrived, and these are the seasonal dishes we eat. Manager Wang came yesterday and came again today. He learned that Qiao's Restaurant sells wine, so he asked for a pot of wine.
Qiao Mianmian quickly served the dishes. She knew what Manager Wang was thinking, but since Manager Wang had spent real money to come and eat, she still welcomed him.
"The food is good, but the wine is a bit ordinary, not as mellow as aged wine that's over ten years old," Manager Wang commented after tasting it carefully. "Miss Qiao, we generally don't hire female chefs. Here, you can only make some street food stir-fries. Why don't you come and check out our place?"
"Manager Wang, everyone has their own ambitions. I'm happy to run my own small shop. I can do business when I'm in a good mood, and if I want to be lazy, I can just lie at home."
Qiao Mianmian smiled and said, "To be honest, I'm not a really hardworking person. If I were to work for you, wouldn't I have to work regular hours every day?"
Moreover, if you work for someone else, you'll only ever earn that same fixed salary your whole life, and you'll never get rich.
It's nowhere near as good as what she does at home, and who says she'll only ever set up a small stall here for the rest of her life?
Manager Wang was taken aback. "You're certainly honest. But if you go to Fumanlou, you can not only learn more, but also have the opportunity to cook for all sorts of important people. Don't you want that?"
"Is it an honor to cook for important people? Manager Wang, I only care about practical things."
Qiao Mianmian said, "I'm not denying that going to Fumanlou is a good idea, I just don't want to go. Everyone has different ideas, so decisions differ. Fumanlou's business hasn't been good lately, are you thinking of hiring some new chefs to fill in since the older generation isn't innovative?"
Qiao Mianmian used to work in a restaurant. Manager Wang had never come before, but he has been coming frequently recently.
What does this mean?
This indicates that something has happened to Fumanlou recently.
Qiao Mianmian didn't want to get involved in the messy environment; she just wanted to cook simple dishes and make more money.
She had no interest in Fu Man Lou or any other fancy restaurant.
And she just happened to pinpoint the reason for Manager Wang's actions.
Seeing Manager Wang's stunned expression, Qiao Mianmian smiled and said, "I don't know what's wrong with Fumanlou, but addressing the root cause is the age-old solution. If an old person is being difficult, then decisive action is necessary. If the new chefs aren't up to par, then find better ones. If you can't find them in Lin'an, you can always find them elsewhere. Running a restaurant boils down to whether the food is good or not, and whether it's expensive or not—those are the two main reasons that determine whether customers come. Don't you agree?"
Listening to Qiao Mianmian's eloquent explanation, Manager Wang's eyes showed even more appreciation. "Miss Qiao is indeed insightful. To be honest, Fu Man Lou has been facing a shortage of skilled workers lately. The loss of our master chef was something we didn't expect, and the newcomers can't fill the gaps, so business has definitely not been as good as before. Since Miss Qiao has said so much, I wonder if you could offer some guidance? I will remember this favor."
As the saying goes, those involved are often confused, while bystanders see things clearly. Manager Wang has worked at Fumanlou for half his life, but even with so much experience, he can sometimes be trapped by his own preconceived notions. Listening to what others have to say might yield different results.
Qiao Mianmian had never eaten at Fumanlou, but she knew that Fumanlou was more refined and upscale. Some of the methods she knew might not be applicable at this time, so she cautiously said, "A restaurant as big as Fumanlou certainly doesn't have its signature dishes controlled by one chef. If someone else can't make them, then it's a problem with their skill."
That's enough. In a large restaurant like Fu Man Lou, many people are connected to the owner. There's a saying that wealth doesn't last three generations, but whether Fu Man Lou lives up to that is irrelevant to her.
Seeing that a customer had arrived, Qiao Mianmian immediately went to greet him, "What would you like to eat? Noodles or stir-fries? The meat is very fresh today. You can see that my dad's meat stall is right next door."
"Just a bowl of noodles will do."
"Okay, please have a seat, I'll be right there." Qiao Mianmian grabbed a handful of noodles and threw them into the pot. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Manager Wang had already gotten up and left.
She breathed a sigh of relief once the person had left.
Lin raised her eyebrows as she approached, "Why doesn't he give up?"
“They probably won’t be coming for the next few days.” Qiao Mianmian raised her eyebrows triumphantly. “The fact that they went to such lengths to poach me shows that I’m capable. We should be happy.”
Anyway, she was very happy; her little vanity had been satisfied. As for the problems at Fu Man Lou, that was their own business; she wasn't a savior.
"Yes, yes, our Mianmian is the best!" After praising her daughter, Lin saw bubbles coming out of the pot and hurriedly said, "The noodles are almost cooked, be careful."
After saying that, she went to tidy up the tables. Business was even better after the New Year, and four tables were often not enough to seat everyone. She turned her gaze to the stall next to the butcher shop. If there were another stall, she could set up more tables and make even more money.
Lin thought this way and did it this way. She immediately asked Qiao Mancang to inquire about it. Anyway, the stall owner who sells sugar figurines has been setting up his stall only every few days lately, so he probably doesn't have much time to set up his stall.
After returning home, Qiao Mianmian learned about this. "Mom, why did you think of adding more tables and chairs?"
“I’m not stupid. When guests come and there’s nowhere to sit, and when I see many guests leave, I naturally think of this.” As soon as Lin sat down at home, her eldest daughter-in-law brought her tea. She hesitated for a moment before taking it. “Qianqian, I’ve prepared everything for your homecoming tomorrow. You’ll definitely have a lot to say to your family when you get home, so don’t rush back. Just be home before dark.”
Both families lived in the city and could come and go quickly. Lin drank the water her daughter-in-law brought her; it was still warm. Her daughter-in-law was very thoughtful.
Hu Qianqian nodded gently, "Mom, I'll help you move the tables and chairs down."
When Qiao Jiawang saw his wife about to break the table, he quickly came over to stop her, saying, "The tables and chairs are heavy, it's not good if they break. Jiaxing and I will sit here, you can sit with Mianmian and the others."
Seeing her sister-in-law smiling shyly, Qiao Mianmian teased, "Sister-in-law, just sit and play with us, or your brother will feel bad."
Qiao Jiaxing chimed in loudly, "Yes, apart from not caring about me, everyone else is afraid of getting tired."
"I...I didn't!" Qiao Jiawang cried out anxiously, "Don't talk nonsense!"
Qiao Jiaxing chuckled and helped carry the tables and chairs down. Just then, he saw Lu Zhao and Qingjiu returning. Through the door frame, he called out, "Lord Lu, you're back early today. Aren't you on duty?"
"I came back early because I had some things to take care of." Lu Zhao nodded to Qiao Jiaxing and went inside with Qingjiu.
"Hmm, why does Lord Lu look a little pale?" Qiao Jiaxing muttered to himself, then continued working. "Fifth Sister, what are we having for dinner tonight?"
"Eat spring pancakes."
Qiao Mianmian saw someone selling pancakes in the market, and after Wang Zhanggui asked her about them at noon, she decided she wanted some. "I bought bean sprouts and chives at home, and I soaked some dried shiitake mushrooms. I'll stir-fry them with pork belly later. We can eat them wrapped up, or we can fry a few."
Just talking about it makes her mouth water; seasonal foods are only at their best when they're in season.
Qiao Jiaxing said he hadn't had spring pancakes in a long time, "Then I'll eat eight!"
Qiao Mancang said with a smile, "You'd better be able to eat that much."
Ms. Lin said there weren't that many, "I also cooked porridge to eat with spring pancakes. There were only two for each person, and I bought them based on the number of pancake wrappers."
Hearing the children exclaim "Ah!", she added, "Stop exclaiming 'Ah!' and be secretly happy. We never used to eat like this at home."
“That’s true.” Qiao Jiaxing quickly smiled.
As dinner time approached, Qiao Mianmian went to start a fire to cook the dishes. The porridge was already cooking on the stove, and the pancakes were also warmed up.
First, stir-fry the bean sprouts in a pan to remove excess water, then set them aside. Otherwise, too much broth will soak into the pancake. Stir-fry the pork belly in the pan until the fat renders, then add the other side dishes and seasonings. Since it's meant to be eaten wrapped in the pancake, a lighter flavor is better.
Once the aroma is released, sprinkle in the chive leaves and stir-fry the chives until just cooked through before serving.
Besides spring pancakes, dinner also included kimchi. We ate too much meat and fish at the wedding banquet, so we ate something lighter today.
"Second brother, please help me take this out." Qiao Mianmian had just spoken when Qiao Jiaxing came in.
The whole family sat down to eat. The bean sprouts were still very juicy. With one bite, the umami flavor of the shiitake mushrooms, mixed with the aroma of meat, swept over us, followed by the delicate flavor of the bean sprouts and the added fragrance of the chives.
Qiao Mianmian finished a spring pancake in a few bites. She had just eaten her second one when her grandmother handed her one.
"She's too old to eat much, Mianmian, you eat one for your grandmother." This is blatant favoritism.
"But Grandmother, I've had enough." Qiao Mianmian really had enough. She still had half a bowl of porridge left. Eating too much would keep her awake at night and make her gain weight.
As soon as she finished speaking, Qiao Jiaxing came over, took a spring pancake and ate it, saying, "Grandma, I don't have enough, thank you, Grandma."
"You little rascal, you're such a glutton!" Zhang laughed and patted her second grandson twice. "With such a big appetite, you'll have to do more work in the future, otherwise how will you support yourself?"
Qiao Jiaxing nodded as he ate, "I will definitely work diligently!"
The family chatted and laughed, and the day passed by.
After dark, everyone went back to their rooms, while Qiao Mianmian went to her fourth sister's room.
Lin Xiahe is about to get married, and lately she has only been teaching Hu Qianqian how to make braised food at home, and spends the rest of her time doing needlework at home.
“Mother is right, you still need to learn some needlework. I’ve made five pairs of socks for you now, and sewed two handkerchiefs. Who will make them for you in the future?” Lin Xiahe not only made them for her younger sister, but also for other family members. She grew up in the Qiao family, and this is all she can do now.
"We'll talk about the future later. I really can't do this. I always prick my hand when I try to thread a needle."
Qiao Mianmian leaned against her fourth sister, "Fourth sister, I will miss you in the future. You must come back to visit us often, and I will come to visit you too!"
Qiao Mianmian's third sister married far away, so she didn't have any other close friends. She was closest to her fourth sister.
Speaking of getting married, Lin Xiahe's nose also felt sore, but it was late at night, and she yawned, "Go back to sleep, we still have to set up our stall tomorrow."
No sooner had she finished speaking than there was a sudden, urgent knocking on the door. The two sisters came out of the house together.
Hearing that it was Qingjiu's voice, Qiao Jiaxing opened the door and asked what was going on.
"Brother Qiao... Brother Qiao, where is the nearest clinic?" Qingjiu asked anxiously. "My master was injured today. I thought it wouldn't be anything serious, so he came back after getting bandaged at the yamen. But when I went to bring him hot water just now, I couldn't wake him up no matter what I did."
"Huh?" Qiao Jiaxing hurriedly said upon hearing this, "I...I'll take you there."
Qiao Mianmian said loudly, "Second brother, it will take a long time to go back and forth. Why don't you help carry Lord Lu to the clinic? We can't afford to be delayed at a time like this."
"Oh, I'll go right now." Qiao Jiaxing slapped his forehead; he hadn't thought of that earlier.
Qiao Mancang hurriedly came out of the house, "I'll go with you." There are some things his son doesn't have experience with, so it's not enough to just send him.
After the men in the family left, Lin was filled with anxiety. "May Buddha forgive me, I hope nothing bad happens."
Qiao Mianmian was also a little worried. Medical conditions were poor at this time, and even a minor illness could easily take a person's life.
After this incident, the whole family couldn't sleep well. Qiao Mianmian stayed in her fourth sister's room. About an hour later, a new candle was placed on the candlestick, and Qiao Jiaxing and his son returned.
"How is it?" Lin was the first to rush out.
"Luckily, they were brought in in time. They said he had a fever, but the doctor gave him acupuncture, and the fever has subsided for now. Qingjiu is staying at the clinic. Tomorrow, Jiaxing will bring them breakfast and check on Lord Lu's condition," Qiao Mancang said.
Lin patted her chest and took a deep breath. The couple went into the house together. "I hope nothing serious has happened. Before, I thought it would be great if Lord Lu, with his official position and handsome appearance, could become our son-in-law. But now it seems there are downsides too; he's too dangerous!"
Qiao Mancang had already lain down. "You're still complaining about her? Don't think so much. If you're meant to be, God will take care of it. If you're not, even if we knock down the walls between your two families, it won't make a difference!"
He didn't think that much about it; his youngest daughter was still small, so there was no rush.
Lin blew out the candle and snorted, "I'm not complaining, I'm just thinking long-term. What do you know?"
After all that fuss, everyone was even more tired, so Qiao Mianmian simply slept in her fourth sister's room.
The next day, as soon as the two sisters woke up, Madam Lin asked Qiao Mianmian to deliver food.
"Why am I the one going? Where is Second Brother?" Qiao Mianmian asked, somewhat surprised.
“I forgot your second brother is going to the Qiu family and your eldest brother is going to the Hu family. Go and deliver some food first.” Madam Lin had already cooked porridge and salted duck eggs. “Your father and I will go and check on them later. We’re neighbors, and we live across the street from each other, so it’s only right that we look out for each other. This Lord Lu doesn’t have any elders around him, and he’s living too casually.”
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