Miao Chu

Chapter 206 Indifference
Sorry everyone, please scroll back a bit. The second half of the previous chapter has been added and adjusted, and the original content has been moved to the middle of this chapter.

***
Zhang Yong grew up in poverty and ate plenty of small fish, but who would be willing to use enough oil to fry them? Especially lard!

The aroma and the oil made the child eat with great joy.

Zhang Fu, standing to the side, couldn't help but turn his gaze to the large fish in front of him.

A large white carp, split in half and laid flat, lies unceremoniously on the plate, comfortably covered with seasonings.

The fermented black beans are glossy black, the fried garlic is golden brown, and there are also finely chopped scallions and dogwood. At the bottom is a light brown sauce, with a thin layer of oil floating on top, making the white, plump fish look especially beautiful.

The student was very hospitable; he placed the fish belly facing him, leaving Zhang Fu with no choice but to accept it without hesitation. He eventually cut off a piece of belly meat from the middle to the back.

Zhang Fu was quite knowledgeable, but he was limited by his region and had never eaten this kind of cooking before. As soon as he picked up a piece of meat, he hurriedly put it into his mouth.

But as soon as the fish entered his mouth, he couldn't help but open his mouth and exhale continuously.

It's too hot!
The fish has been sitting for a while, but it's still very hot. It's not for any other reason; it's just very fatty.

Oil cools down much slower, and the fattest part of the fish at the bottom of its belly is so thick it's practically like oil. When steamed, it's transparent, and when you eat it, it not only sticks to your mouth but also gets stuck to your teeth along with the gelatinous substance from the fish skin.

Upon tasting this fish, Zhang Fu immediately understood what "exquisite" meant.

Only through countless perfect moments can this one bite of meat be obtained.

The fish was perfect. Its eyes were white and round, bursting out of their sockets from steaming, a testament to its freshness. The skin was white with a hint of yellow, glistening with oil, showing just how fatty and succulent it was.

Even without making any cuts, the fish's freshness and juices remain locked inside the skin and flesh, flowing out with every bite.

The cooking time was just right. With a gentle touch of the chopsticks, the fish meat separated into pieces, just enough to separate from the bone, but the spine still had a slight pinkish tinge.

The seasoning was just right. The savory flavor of soy sauce, fermented black beans, and a touch of sugar was perfect. A little more and it would be too salty, a little less and it wouldn't have enough base flavor. The sauce was also reduced just right, not too thick, otherwise it would have a slightly burnt taste, nor too bland, otherwise it wouldn't bring out the freshness of the fish.

The seasonings were just right: the dogwood, minced garlic, and fermented black beans were all stir-fried with a little lard in perfect proportion. The scallions sprinkled on top at the end were brought out to their fullest flavor by the hot oil.

The salty and spicy flavor of the fermented black bean sauce perfectly balances the greasiness of the fish belly. The fish meat is tender and firm. For such a large fish to be so fresh and tender, the fat plays an indispensable role.

The seasonings are sprinkled finely and evenly. With one bite, spiciness is the main flavor, but it doesn't overpower the other flavors. It's incredibly fresh and spicy, with a salty and savory base. The aroma of dogwood, fermented black beans, scallions, and garlic connects with the freshness of the fish, making the fish meat even more tender and delicious. Even without dipping it in the broth, the flavor is fragrant and satisfying, creating a wonderful, layered experience in your mouth.

Steamed fish is rarely a dish that goes well with rice, but this method makes it not only delicious but also very appetizing.

Zhang Fu was originally going to offer a toast, but as he ate, he forgot what he was supposed to do and just focused on eating. Before long, a large bowl of rice was gone.

When the meal was finally finished, and everyone was leaning back in their chairs to rest their stomachs, he suddenly realized what he had said and slapped his thigh, exclaiming, "I was just saying I was going to get you all some wine to go with the fried fish!!"

Right now, the fried fish has been reduced to nothing but bones, with only a few lonely, discarded heads left!
"Leave it! Leave it! We'll drink it after we're done working on the river!"

"When Master Zhang comes again, we'll ask Miss Song to fry up another huge basin of food. We'll eat until we're stuffed and drink until we drop!"

After the meal, the group, who were initially a bit unfamiliar with each other, had become dining buddies with Zhang Fu and were quite close to him. They advised him that if he couldn't wait until today, he could come again tomorrow night, and asked where he lived so that they could send someone to deliver a message.

Sure enough, it was nearly 9 PM when Wu Gongshi returned with several subordinates and Kong Fuyang, with Han Li following behind.

Upon learning that they would be eating fish today, and that it would be the same delicious fish, Wu Gongshi could barely suppress his anger, though he was practically spitting fire from his nostrils. Kong Fuyang, on the other hand, was so anxious he was about to stomp his feet. He hurriedly chased after Song Miao to ask if there would be any more fish tomorrow.

When Han Li returned, he saw Zhang Fu and Zhang Yong. Just as Song Miao had said, he immediately sat down and tested them. After asking them, he learned that the two of them would be staying in Huazhou for the next few days and that they were not far from each other. He first took out pen and ink, wrote down a topic, and then marked the books and chapters, asking Zhang Yong to go back and read them, write an essay, and come back the next day.

Because he had many business matters to attend to with Wu Gong the next day, he specially sought out Kong Fuyang and asked him to help look at his son's homework first.

Kong Fuyang readily agreed without mentioning it.

***
When Zhang Fu and his son Zhang Yong sat down at the table to eat, two other people were also sitting at a table in another room.

A large round table for ten people was set with three dishes and a soup. Liang Yan and Xiang Lin each sat on one side, neither of them speaking.

Xiang Lin stared at Liang Yan with a cold face. Seeing the other's expressionless face, he became even angrier. He snorted and was about to say something sarcastic when Liang Yan finished his rice in a few bites, put down his bowl and chopsticks, stood up without looking up, and turned to walk out.

His actions turned Xiang Lin's initial dissatisfaction into rage. He immediately slammed his chopsticks on the table, stood up, and chased after Xiang Lin out the door, shouting vulgarities like "bastard," "son of a bitch," and "who knows where he learned them from."

He was yelling so loudly and angrily, his emotions were naturally agitated. Seeing that his face was red with anger, the two servants behind him, who originally didn't want to get involved, had no choice but to step forward and try to persuade him.

One of them said, "Young master, why bother with him? Once we get back to our hometown, we'll explain things to the old master and madam and get rid of him!"

Another person said, "To put it bluntly, the young master is the master, and he is the servant. They are not of the same status. There's no need to pay attention to him. Cursing him is already giving him face!"

The same words might be agreeable the first time you offer advice, but they become ineffective the more you try to persuade someone.

Xiang Lin's face turned red, and his eyes were also very red, whether from anger or tears, it was hard to tell. He said, "My father is blind and can't see through his true colors. He refuses to let him leave no matter what. No matter how hard my grandparents try, they can't beat my father. He even wants to give my family property to that bastard. He's always pretending to be pitiful and putting on an act!"

At this point, Xiang Lin suddenly remembered that in the afternoon, his father had specially sent someone over with a whole set of new clothes and shoes for Liang Yan to change into. The father then left with the men and only returned just now.

I haven't had any new clothes or shoes for ages. Why does the guy surnamed Liang have them while I don't? I should have at least ten sets! Or maybe it should be just me who has them, and the guy surnamed Liang doesn't!
Also, why should Liang Yan be taken out?
When he met Uncle Rui in the afternoon, he specifically asked about his father's whereabouts, and the other party only said that he had gone out to discuss business.

Has Liang Yan already started being shown around about the family business?
Then what about his own biological son?
Seeing that Xiang Lin looked strange, the two servants also panicked.

One of them hurriedly said, "Young master, why don't we go and teach that fellow a lesson? You asked me to inquire first, and I've already found out that the extra purse he had was given to him by someone when he went out this time. It's full of food. That fool is really ignorant, acting like he's found some kind of treasure."

"Let's throw some mud and bugs into his pocket, so he can't eat!"

Things that Xiang Lin used to be very interested in, he couldn't even be bothered to reply to today.

He gritted his teeth and said resentfully, "Destroying a purse is nothing! You two are useless! All you ever do is come up with terrible ideas!"

"You mean that bastard gets up every morning after dawn to practice plum blossom stakes in the yard?" After receiving confirmation from the two men, Xiang Lin suddenly said, "Tomorrow we'll go find an axe, no, we'll also find a saw. We'll saw that plum blossom stake tomorrow night, leaving an edge, and leave it on top. When that guy surnamed Liang gets up in the morning, he'll step on it and fall down. It would be best if he had a mental breakdown, or at least break his arms and legs!"

"Isn't he supposed to be getting up early to practice walking on plum blossom stakes? Isn't he supposed to be showing off? Let's see how he can show off now that he's broken his arms and legs!"

This time, the two servants dared not speak.

"What are you afraid of? I'll go too. If anything happens, I'll take care of it! I won't let you guys get scolded!" Xiang Lin said, holding his breath.

The two servants looked at each other, their faces turning pale.

Also in Huazhou, the events that happened in the Xie family mansion are still fresh in everyone's mind. Who would believe that this young master said, "I'll take care of it" and "I won't let you get scolded"?

***
The following afternoon, after returning to the official post station from the river kitchen, Song Miao took the hanging fish down.

After being salted and hung for a day and a night, the fish is completely dried, a process called "overnight drying." When pressed, the skin and flesh only spring back slightly. It is then pan-fried with lard, minced garlic, and shredded ginger. Since it already has a salty flavor, a salty and spicy sauce is prepared, and it is simmered for a while until the sauce is reduced by half before serving.

This dish is also very appetizing. Because the fish is dehydrated and shrinks after being air-dried, the fish flavor is stronger and richer. It is fresh with a hint of saltiness and a sweet aftertaste. The skin is dry and crisp, making it firmer, more substantial and fragrant when you bite into it. Even the small bones between the meat are partially separated, making it easier to remove the bones.

When everyone returned, Xiangxiang had indeed finished eating. Kong Fuyang arrived late, and Han and Wu were nowhere to be seen. Even Lu Wenming had not returned.

Song Miao knew that the two people in front would be returning late, but she didn't expect there to be another one now. Fortunately, the dishes today were different from yesterday's and wouldn't keep for long, so she sent Kong Fuyang to sit down first, saying that the food would be served soon.

When she and Dabing brought the dishes out, they saw that Zhang Fubo and his nephew had already arrived.

It was well past lunchtime, and there weren't many people in the front hall. Kong Fuyang took Zhang Yong's article, read it through, pointed out a few issues, and told him to sit at a table to revise it on the spot. He then added, "After you've revised it, Zhengyan will come back and take a look."

Zhang Fu, also from a scholarly family, had never heard of Kong Fuyang before, but he knew that Kong was a talented scholar from the Imperial Academy. Hearing Kong's comments and annotations for his nephew, he naturally knew the level of his work. He quickly thanked Kong and asked his servant to bring down the pen and ink from the carriage and tidy up the table so that he could help his son with his composition.

When the food was served, especially the fish, Kong Fuyang was extremely grateful and kept praising it.

He was naturally talkative, and at this moment he spoke almost without repeating himself, practically going on and on.

Song Miao was eager to hear just how many compliments this fellow could offer, so she deliberately didn't refuse. She silently counted in her mind, slowly reaching thirty. Seeing that the person opposite her showed no signs of running out of ideas, while she herself was getting tired of counting, she was just about to speak when she heard someone behind her call out, "Young Lady Song."

She turned around and saw that Xiang Yuan had brought a stranger into the room.

Not wanting to disturb Kong Fuyang's meal, Song Miao stepped forward and led him to the side for a while before Fuyang formally greeted her.

Xiang Yuan made the introductions, saying that the other party's surname was Rui, and that he was an old friend of his, who had come to visit Han and Lu together today.

After bowing, Song Miao looked up and saw someone, and immediately felt uncomfortable.

This wealthy man surnamed Rui was standing way too close.

When ordinary strangers meet, especially those of different genders, it is appropriate to keep at least four or five steps apart.

She had been standing at just the right distance, but the other person had somehow taken two steps forward and was now taking the opportunity of slowly bowing to sized her up.

This makes people feel even more uncomfortable.

The gaze was strange; it looked at people not only by their faces but also by their figures, scanning them from top to bottom and then looking back from bottom to top.

Song Miao subconsciously took two steps back.

Only then did Master Rui withdraw his gaze, and said jokingly, "Young lady, you have such good looks! You've made me momentarily dazzled!"

Song Miao remained silent.

Although she had no basis for it, she had a feeling that the other person's explanation was not entirely true—the way this person looked at her was more of a weighing and sizing, as if he were looking at a commodity rather than a person.

This Master Rui was around thirty years old, with a handsome appearance. He wore a brocade robe, a jade crown, and even his belt was adorned with jade. The purse at his waist was exquisitely stitched, and everything he wore was the best he could find in any shop. However, the fan in his hand was just an ordinary wooden fan, which looked plain and old.

But Song Miao couldn't help but glance at the fan a few more times.

With a frame made of tortoiseshell and bones of ivory, even before it was opened, one could already tell that this was an extremely luxurious fan, costing more than one or two times more than the rest of the person's attire.

She didn't talk to the man much, but said to Xiang Yuan, "Unfortunately, Mr. Han and Mr. Lu have not returned yet."

He added, "But there is another young master Kong who is eating right now. Why don't you two sit for a moment and I will introduce you?"

As they were talking, there weren't many people in the hall. Kong Fuyang, who had seen someone come looking for Song Miao earlier, and it was Xiang Yuan again, had been on tenterhooks, listening intently. When he heard his name, he immediately put down his chopsticks, stood up, and turned to say, "Looking for me? What's the matter? If it's important, I won't rush to eat. Tell me first."

Before Song Miao could speak, Master Rui had already stepped forward, introducing himself and asking a few questions, then adding, "Young master, please eat first! Eat first! We'll talk in detail later!"

As he spoke, he glanced at the dishes on the table and said with a smile, "So you like to eat fish, sir? I've eaten a kind of fish since I was a child, called 'Tanzai' or 'Sacrifice Fish'. It dies as soon as it leaves the sea, and its meat is tender, fresh, and fatty, with layers upon layers. Locals call it 'Thousand-Layer Cake'."

He added, "Someone just delivered a lot of these a few days ago. They're all salted and dried in sea salt, and they're huge. I'll bring some over."

As he spoke, he turned around and went to ask the courier for more wine.

He walked back and came face to face with Zhang Si Niang, who had come to deliver drinks and pancakes.

Song Miao saw Rui Fusheng first look at Zhang Siniang's face, then turn to look at the flatbread. After looking at the flatbread, even though they had already passed each other, he turned back to look at Zhang Siniang's back—he was clearly looking at her buttocks.

Although it was only a fleeting glance, his eyes held little lewdness, only indifference.

　Thank you to the person who sent me the sachet in the blooming spring, to the person who sent me the two amulets from the spy cat, and to the person who sent me the amulet from the book friend 20201007195616554. Mwah! =3=
　　Many thanks to Chang Qingjing_Ec from the bookstore for sending me five small tokens, and to JINGJING~, sar., 坐看云起, 我爱侬侬, 奥特曼小姐, and c.ym for sending me one small token each :)

　　Thank you everyone! ^_^
　　(End of this chapter)