After the portraits were finished, it was already late. Considering that Mu'er and Ze'er were still young, the group did not keep watch as usual. Around 11 p.m., they all went back to their rooms to rest.
The next morning, it was the first day of the Lunar New Year, and no one slept in. Even Xu Han got up early to wash up and tidy herself up before taking Ze'er out.
Lu Chuan got up early to cook dumplings, and the dumplings were ready just as everyone finished getting ready.
After everyone finished eating dumplings, the main event of the day began: "paying New Year's visits."
This year, Mu'er was very self-disciplined. After Xu Han finished wishing Grandpa Zhao a Happy New Year, Mu'er immediately followed suit.
"Mu'er wishes Father and Mother a Happy New Year, and hopes that everything goes well for you, and that you are healthy and happy." After saying this, she kowtowed to the two of them firmly.
Xu Han quickly picked up Mu'er and said, "Good son, your mother also wishes you health, happiness, and a strong growth."
After saying that, he took out a red envelope that he had prepared in advance and handed it to Mu'er.
Mu'er keeps all the New Year's money herself. Lu Chuan made a small wooden box for Mu'er as a piggy bank. Xu Han gave him all the New Year's money from the past few years and let him keep it himself.
Xu Han wasn't worried about him spending money recklessly, mainly because they were living deep in the mountains, so even if he had money, he wouldn't be able to spend it.
Moreover, Mu'er's money box was always kept in Xu Han's room, and Xu Han would check it from time to time, so she wasn't worried.
After wishing her father and mother a Happy New Year, Mu'er also wished Grandpa Zhao a Happy New Year. After receiving her lucky money, she happily took out her money box and put the money in.
Mu'er, who had always lived deep in the mountains, had no concept of money, but through Xu Han's influence, she learned that money was a good thing and should be carefully preserved.
After exchanging New Year's greetings, everyone had nothing much to do, so we took a break today and will officially start clearing land and planting tomorrow.
So Grandpa Zhao took Mu'er to read books and learn about herbs, while Xu Han and Lu Chuan stayed inside the house watching over Ze'er.
While chatting to kill some time, the two of them found themselves talking about their plans for the new year.
“Starting tomorrow, we’ll clear out the wasteland outside, and in a couple of days when the weather isn’t too cold, we’ll waterproof the pond so we can plant lotus flowers and catch some fish fry,” Lu Chuan said.
“Yes, there’s still plenty of food in the space, but you can never have too much. After spring arrives, let’s plant some corn and soybeans first, and then see if we can plant some rice. We’ve never planted rice before, so we don’t know if it will work,” Xu Han replied.
"It's okay if we don't succeed. Let's try this year first, accumulate some experience, and we'll definitely succeed after a few more tries," Lu Chuan comforted him.
"You seem to have a pretty good outlook on things," Xu Han said with a smile.
"Hahaha, it's too late to plant wheat now, but we can plant more sweet potatoes and potatoes. Are there enough in this space?" Lu Chuan changed the subject.
"There aren't many left. The dogs have big appetites and eat a lot, and we haven't restricted their food too much. We should plant some more to prepare," Xu Han said, glancing at the items in the space.
“Then let’s plant more, and also some of all kinds of vegetables and leafy greens. Yunhua said he’ll send us fruit trees after the New Year, but we don’t know when we’ll receive them,” Lu Chuan said.
"It's best to plant them as soon as possible so that the survival rate will be higher. But the hillside next to it hasn't been cleared yet, so we need to hurry up with that too," Xu Han said.
"This is really difficult to clean up in a short time, but we can plant the fruit trees first and clean up later," Lu Chuan replied after thinking for a moment.
"That works too. We can cut down the big trees first, and then clear out the smaller ones gradually. When we have time later, we can go up the mountain to see if we can find any smaller hawthorn trees, walnut trees, chestnut trees, or other saplings to transplant and plant near our house so we can easily harvest them," Xu Han suggested.
"This method is feasible, but it may not be effective this year. We have just experienced drought and floods, and we don't know what the trees in the mountains will be like after spring."
"No rush, we have plenty of time. We'll take it slow, and one day I'll transform our home into a vibrant little courtyard," Xu Han said with anticipation.
"Okay, then plant whatever you like inside and outside the yard." Lu Chuan said to Xu Han with a doting look.
The two chatted for a while longer before starting to make lunch.
Recently, Lu Chuan and Xu Han have been cooking together more often, while Grandpa Zhao has been helping to take care of the two children.
However, taking care of the child is no easier than cooking. Fortunately, Mu'er is quite well-behaved, and Ze'er can only lie on his crib, otherwise it would be quite a hassle.
"Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year, so we can't skimp on lunch. What should we make?" Xu Han asked Lu Chuan.
"What would you like to eat?" Lu Chuan asked in return.
"I don't really care much about what I eat, so let's cook a few dishes first," Xu Han replied after thinking for a moment.
"Okay, you do it, I'll help you." Lu Chuan said and started preparing things.
Xu Han glanced around the space and finally decided to do something different. In the future, when she has enough time and materials, she will cook different delicious dishes every day.
So Xu Han took all the shrimp out of the refrigerator in her space and planned to make salt and pepper shrimp.
First, remove the shells and veins from the prawns. Then, add minced garlic, scallions, ginger, a little cooking wine, and light soy sauce. Mix well, then add some salt and pepper to taste. Let it marinate for a while.
While the food was marinating, Xu Han prepared the batter she would need later.
Add an egg and an appropriate amount of starch to a bowl, stir well, and set aside.
Heat oil in a wok, dip the marinated prawns into the batter, coat them with batter, then fry them in the oil until golden brown.
First, take the fried prawns out and set them aside. Then, fry them a second time after the oil temperature rises. This method will result in prawns that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them especially delicious.
Sprinkle the fried shrimp with salt and pepper powder while they're still hot, mix well, and they're ready to eat.
Xu Han tasted a freshly made salt and pepper shrimp and said, "It's delicious. Mu'er will definitely like it, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside."
Seeing this, Lu Chuan also pinched one and tasted it, saying, "It's quite delicious, and children should all like it."
Xu Han also prepared a few other dishes, a total of six dishes plus a radish and egg soup, along with fragrant mixed grain rice, and a delicious meal was ready.
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