Miao Chu

Chapter 188 Passing on a Message
To make braised pork ribs, you naturally need to caramelize sugar.

Since granulated sugar was too expensive for construction site meals, Song Miao switched to maltose. Although it wasn't as sweet as the former, it had a pleasant aroma.

However, maltose is inherently viscous and more prone to burning, so it needs to be cooked with extra care.

Two large pots, medium-low heat, a little oil, the ladle repeatedly circling the bottom of the pot, watching the maltose slowly melt, the large bubbles gradually turning into fish-eye bubbles, and then into finer sesame-seed-sized bubbles. When it turns from light yellow to reddish-brown, and then transitions to dark brown, there is no time to waste, the pork spine must be thrown in immediately.

The pork spine had already been prepared in advance. It was freshly slaughtered from the butcher's chopping board. The blood was removed by soaking it in cold water, then it was briefly blanched with cooking wine, scallions, and ginger slices. It was then rinsed with warm water and left to dry.

Now that it's in the pot, the bottom of both pots is completely filled. Just looking at it gives you a sense of abundance, like a mountain of meat.

After putting it in the pot, stir-fry it repeatedly to ensure that each piece of bone is coated with the caramel coloring as evenly as possible.

In a separate pot, heat oil and sauté ginger slices, scallion segments, and shallots until they are slightly dry and hard. Then add soaked star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, and dogwood and sauté until fragrant. Also add crushed cardamom.

Not only is cardamom particularly good at removing fishy smells and enhancing aroma, but it is also a medicine in itself. It can eliminate phlegm, treat malaria, and soothe the spleen and stomach, making it very suitable for use in hot weather.

After the spices are stir-fried, add soybean paste, sweet bean sauce, and soy sauce in that order, stir-fry over high heat until the sauce is fragrant, and then strain the stir-fried sauce into the large bone pot.

Then, boil water again, put the filtered spices in a gauze bag and put it in, cover the pot and let it simmer slowly. Also, have someone boil about a hundred eggs, peel them in the water, and prepare to add them to the braising liquid when the time is right.

Although there were only two large pots, the aroma of caramelized sugar filled half the room when they were caramelizing it. Then, when they added the sauce, the aroma of braised meat and sauce filled the room in no time. The workers couldn't help but find a gap to stand up or stand on tiptoe to watch.

When stewing bones, you only need to watch the fire and stir occasionally to prevent them from burning; you don't need to keep an eye on them all the time.

The pot was bubbling away, the meat and bones were rolling around, and a rich aroma was wafting out from the gaps in the lid. The aroma was so enticing, and even though you couldn't eat it after smelling it for a while, even Song Miao, a self-taught cook, found it hard to resist.

She gave a brief explanation, then slipped out to wash her hands. When she returned, the others had already done most of the preparations they needed to make.

This was the break between meals, and all the cooks were not in the kitchen, but went to a side room, leaving only a few to watch the stove.

The room was specially arranged by Song Miao for everyone to rest in; it contained several armchairs and cushions.

In the past, everyone would chat and laugh inside, creating a relaxed atmosphere. But today, they were all whispering amongst themselves, their voices muffled and their expressions serious.

Several groups of people came in the morning and gathered in the storeroom. Then they caught four chickens. They came in all high and mighty, but when they came out they were so listless that they couldn't even lift their heads. Their crowing turned into clucking, and they couldn't even cluck twice. Then Zhang Si Niang went to shovel the ashes from the stove and clean up the chicken droppings all over the yard.

Everyone could tell something was wrong, so naturally they were nervous.

Song Miao knew that the more she kept things from people, the more suspicious they would become.

Since everyone in the kitchen was trustworthy, she simply called Aunt Tian over, gathered everyone together, and explained in detail what had happened that morning when someone had secretly administered croton seeds.

As soon as he finished speaking, the room erupted in chaos. Some cursed the man for being vicious, some resented the government's inaction, and others were relieved that the incident was discovered in time.

Song Miao added, "The yamen has already arrested the person, and we don't know what they will find out yet. But no matter what this person says, the kitchen must be on high alert and check everything again from today onwards."

She pointed to a few people not far away and said, "If it weren't for Fourth Sister and Aunt Feng's quick thinking this morning, that villain might have succeeded. I couldn't bear the consequences. It's one thing if you all lose your jobs, but what if someone dies? We eat and drink with the river workers every day, and many of our friends, relatives and acquaintances are on the river. Aren't we afraid?"

Immediately someone replied, "Don't worry, my lady, we understand!"

“My wife and my two brothers are all on the river, not to mention my own life. Even if my wife doesn’t tell me, I will definitely risk my life!”

"My eldest son is also working; he's on the early shift today. Thank goodness!"

"I don't know who's so vicious. People can die if they don't eat croton oil properly!"

But some people thought more deeply and couldn't help but ask, "Miss Song, who would come to poison someone for no reason? There must be someone behind it, right?"

As soon as these words were spoken, someone chimed in, "Is it that Qian the Tiger? He never wanted to work for us in the first place. I heard that the batch of cooks he recruited for his wife before were all slackers—and now everyone is saying that this river work was supposed to be recruiting laborers, but because a meal is included, you have to pay to get a turn!"

"I've heard that too. If the pay is good, you can even choose an easy job!"

The room gradually quieted down, and everyone looked at Song Miao.

They were all native locals, and none of them were less arrogant and domineering than Song Miao.
No matter how poor or miserable you are, who doesn't have a cousin's sister-in-law's mother-in-law's neighbor working in the government office?
People inquired about the matter and spread the word among themselves, and now almost everyone knows a thing or two about the river embankment and government affairs—they're just afraid that something might go wrong and affect the job they've finally found.

It was only then that Song Miao learned that Qian Zhongming also had the nickname "Qian the Tiger".

This so-called mastermind is as obvious as a louse on a bald man's head.

But after a moment's hesitation, she said, "We'll know once we've arrested them and interrogated them thoroughly."

"If that person was really sent by Qian Dachong to be interrogated by the yamen, then he's interrogating himself! How can he possibly find out anything?" someone hurriedly reminded him.

Song Miao then said, "There are people in the yamen following up, but apart from the kitchen staff, everyone should be careful these days, especially in the morning. Those coming to the official post station by mule cart should come in groups, and those going alone should also go in groups. It's best not to be alone."

He gave me a long explanation, mainly about things in the kitchen and the importance of my safety.

Finally, he suddenly called out the names of Zhang Si Niang, Aunt Feng, and two other aunts, and in front of everyone, gave the first two who had discovered the discovery a string of cash, and the latter two who had participated in the discovery half a string of cash each, saying, "The four of you have made great contributions this time, and this is your reward money."

The room was full of people, all of whom were incredibly envious.

Some people couldn't help but whisper, "How lucky they are! Miss Song gave all the instructions and even memorized those fifty-two rules. As long as you follow them, anyone can spot the problem—why wasn't I the one going to the warehouse to get the materials today!"

"Ahem, though it's not appropriate to say this—I just hope another poisoner comes along. If I catch him, I'll give him a string of cash as a reward!"

"Oh dear, my eyes are burning and hot, I hope I don't have eye infection! When will it be my turn to make money for free!"

These were all jokes, but there was a hint of sincerity in them—who wouldn't be envious of a fortune like that? After Song Miao distributed the money and offered a few words of encouragement, someone came in to deliver a message: Han Li had arrived.

She led her men through the entire storeroom, then carefully explained what had happened. Finally, she said, "We don't know what Fang Quan's true intentions are. If the yamen can't find out the truth and deal with him properly, the kitchen will never have a peaceful day again. Although we managed to prevent it this time, we are still in the dark while he is in the light, which puts us in a very passive position. We need to trouble you, young master, to ask about the follow-up so that we can be prepared."

When Han Li learned that someone had poisoned the kitchen, he was naturally worried and rushed over. However, when he entered the room, he saw that Song Miao was calm and composed. She had not only handled the matter properly in advance, but also appeased all the wives and aunts. She had even distributed the rewards and was planning to take drastic measures.

Although he was mentally prepared, he was still somewhat surprised to see such a scene.

Seeing that everything in the kitchen was in order and everyone was safe, and that the person in front of him was completely unharmed, Han Li felt relieved and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Song, I will have someone follow up on this matter closely. Even if the yamen can't give a proper answer, I will investigate it myself."

He added, "But the kitchen staff should be more vigilant from now on, and the staff should be more alert."

The two chatted for a few more minutes, mostly about the kitchen and the river. Since they were both busy, they didn't dare to linger too long, so they said goodbye and went about their own business.

After seeing Han Li out the door, Song Miao returned to her courtyard.

As soon as she stepped inside, she saw a person standing next to a bucket of water, with his left hand on his hip and his right hand holding a bowl of water. He tilted his head back and was drinking the bowl of water in one go.

After finishing his drink, he pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve, wet it with water, covered his face with it, wiped his face haphazardly a couple of times, and couldn't help but exclaim, "That's refreshing!"

It was Kong Fuyang.

Hearing the commotion, Kong Fuyang turned around and saw that it was Song Miao. He quickly called out, "Young Lady Song," and said, "I'm really thirsty, I'd like to drink some water."

Song Miao hurriedly asked, "Did you bring a water bag, young master? Why don't you fill it with some perilla-infused water before you go?"

Kong Fuyang patted the water pouch at his waist and said, "I just ran into your water delivery cart here, and I'm already in a good position to fill it up first."

He then asked, "Have Zhengyan and the others left?"

Upon learning that he had just left, he hurriedly put the bowl back on the ground, quickly washed it with water, and was about to chase after him when he turned back halfway. He specially took out a purse from his pocket and handed it to Song Miao, saying, "Miss Song, there are a few coins of silver in here, of very good quality. You can keep it in your hand and use it to test for poison if needed!"

He added, "Even if we can only test a few poisons, it's better to have some than none!"

Since others were being so kind, Song Miao naturally couldn't refuse. She had no choice but to accept it, count the money in front of everyone, and then tie it back up, saying, "I'll return it to Young Master Kong after the Huazhou matter is settled."

Kong Fuyang hurriedly said, "It's alright, just put it in the account. I overheard Zheng Yan talking to you last time, and it seemed like he had a lot of money with you. Consider this mine. Give me a piece of paper with my name on it too, and I can deduct it from it when I eat in the future!"

As he spoke, he coughed again, clearly clearing his throat, and his voice sounded a little weak. He said, "There's another matter—if you, stall owner Song, ever have time to add dishes, please make sure someone lets me know, otherwise I'll miss it again!"

His tone was full of regret.

As the number of people working on the river works increased day by day, Song Miao was naturally busy with official business. By the time she returned to the post station, it was already dark. She ate with everyone and had to eat Zhang the cook's food. She rarely cooked herself. The only time she had free time was a couple of days ago when she made shrimp and pork poached eggs. Unfortunately, Kong Fuyang was sleeping in the shed with Han Li that day, so she missed it again.

The next day, upon learning this, he was truly devastated. He wished he could crawl back to the previous night, no matter how tired he was. He would crawl back to the official post station. He brought it up to Song Miao at least five, six, seven, or eight times over the next few days.

Song Miao usually only gave verbal promises, but this time she replied, "Starting today, I will take a one-and-a-half-hour break at noon. I should go back to the official post station to make some preparations and see if I can add a dish for dinner. If you are free, you can come back for dinner."

Kong Fuyang's face lit up instantly, and he nodded hurriedly, saying, "Indeed, the food on the construction site can fill you up, but it always feels like you can't get enough. I'm running around all day, and I still have to write things at night. Without some of the food that Miss Song makes, I really feel uncomfortable from being so full."

This man's eloquence reminded Song Miao of something, so she quickly stopped him, hurriedly returned to the room, and retrieved two bundles.

The bundles were not large, no more than a foot long and a palm wide.

Song Miao handed it over, saying, "This indigo one is for Young Master Han, and this gray one is for Young Master Kong. Young Master Han came in a hurry just now, so I forgot to give it to you. These are snacks I made in my spare time a couple of days ago, including pork jerky, beef jerky, and walnuts."

“I remember you said earlier that you don’t like sweet nuts. Your bag of walnuts is salted and peppered, while Young Master Han’s bag also contains candied walnuts. I hope you don’t pick the wrong ones.”

"Everyone else in the official post station has received theirs, but the two of you are like dragons, appearing and disappearing without a trace. No one else dares to help carry them, so they've been staying with me for several days now."

Kong Fuyang was overjoyed, thanked him profusely, hugged the two bags to his arms, and hurriedly took his leave.

He went ahead and found that everyone had arrived and was waiting for him. He quickly apologized and got into the mule cart.

After getting off the car, the others went ahead, but he specifically pulled Han Li aside, pointed to the bundle in his arms, and whispered Song Miao's instructions to him. Finally, he said, "You're always running around outside, so just carry some things in a purse with you. Leave the rest with me, and I'll keep it for you, okay?"

He had barely finished speaking when he felt a blur before his eyes, followed by a sudden lightness in his arms. Looking down, he saw that the indigo bundle had been snatched away by the person opposite him, who had the advantage of his long arms.

"Not very good." Han Li glanced at him, gripped the bundle tightly, jumped off the mule cart, and then turned back to say, "Let's hurry, Master Wu has a lot of things waiting for us. He also told us to notify each team about the lunch bonus, and there's also the redrawing of the lines this afternoon. If we delay any longer, it will be too late."

Kong Fuyang hurriedly chased after him, clutching his bundle, and called out, "Then let me have a bite of your amber candied walnuts. I only mentioned it casually before, saying that I wasn't used to sweet nuts made by other people, not by stall owner Song. I couldn't clarify that earlier, so let me have a bite—hey, don't walk so fast!"

***
With only half an hour left before lunchtime, Wang Silang grabbed a shovel, plopped down on the ground, and said, "That's enough, I can't do any more!"

His father and elder brother were standing beside him, urging him on. They said, "Stop dawdling. The patrol team said yesterday that the group next door is making faster progress. We're a bit behind and our digging isn't neat enough."

"What does it matter if it's a riverbed or not? Once it's flooded, you won't be able to see anything. In my opinion, it's just a waste of time! That's enough! The money they're offering isn't much anyway, Dad, Brother, you're just taking it too seriously!"

As they were talking, they saw the patrol team standing by the riverbank blowing their whistles to gather everyone nearby. They then relayed a message that from today onward, the team that did the best work each day would receive a bonus the following day, and their meal would also include extra meat.

After saying that, he read out the names of all the groups that received a reward and extra meat for the first time.

Wang Silang listened for a long time but didn't hear his own group's name. Instead, he heard his second and third brothers' group's names.

(End of this chapter)