Miao Chu

Chapter 94 Honesty
Upon seeing Cheng Erniang come out, Song Miao declined, saying, "You've been busy all day, Erniang, please rest early. There's no need to be so polite."

“I live at home with Xiao Lianbai. If you don’t even let me do some chores, I’m afraid I’ll be too ashamed to sleep at night!” As she spoke, she saw a pot of hot oil on the stove, sizzling and frying something, filling the room with a delicious aroma. She hurried over and said, “My hands are all clean. I can do everything—just tell me what to do, young lady!”

Seeing this, Song Miao stopped arguing and asked her to help fry the glutinous rice until it was crispy, and then gave her a lot of instructions.

After preparing the batter for the fried dough, you need to pay attention to the temperature of the pan and keep an eye on the fire. You also need to control the frying time. If it's overcooked, even if it looks okay, it will have a slightly burnt and bitter taste. If it's not fully fried, it won't be crispy enough.

The crispy fried dough and the sauce complement each other perfectly with the glutinous rice. Even though it is quite time-consuming to make, Song Miao always fries the dough the night before and uses it up the next morning to avoid the oil evaporating, which would affect the taste and reputation.

Cheng Erniang followed her instructions and fried two batches. Because she was afraid they would burn and not be thoroughly cooked, Song Miao guided her to fry them again and asked her to taste them for comparison.

"So even a small ingredient like this requires so much attention to detail. No wonder my cooking never tastes good," Cheng Erniang couldn't help but sigh.

He added, "If I had your skills, young lady, I would have no trouble finding a way to make a living in the capital."

Song Miao then asked her about her day and whether she could still get laundry jobs after moving out.

Cheng Erniang sighed and said, "At noon, the officials questioned us separately, made us testify and sign documents, and took away many people. Now, the remaining people in the temple are in a hurry to move out, so there is no work left."

He added, "Even if there were, I wouldn't dare go back—you don't know, young lady, there's a courtyard behind that temple where a seamstress was supposedly imprisoned for many days, starving to the point of being nothing but skin and bones. If the authorities hadn't discovered her in time today, she probably would have lost her life in a few more days!"

As she spoke, she couldn't help but secretly glance at Song Miao's expression.

That morning, Song Miao had just asked the embroiderer of that large garment, and not long after, the yamen officials came knocking on her door. Some officials even brought out the garment to ask the embroiderer again. Such a coincidence naturally made her connect the dots.

Song Miao didn't hide anything. Because it involved the case, she omitted the gambling and the fabric at the door, and only told about the situation of Shen Xingniang's disappearance. She added, "I originally thought it was just a clue, but I didn't expect that the yamen would come to our door and implicate Second Sister, leaving you with nowhere to stay."

Cheng Erniang hurriedly said, "What do you mean by 'bringing us along'? We were going to move sooner or later anyway. Besides, with such a wicked person around, and me with a child in tow, if he suddenly decides to kidnap us, I'll have nowhere to cry!"

He then laughed and said, "Being able to keep you company for a few days and stay in such a nice house is a blessing we earned in our past lives!"

Regardless of the past, the Song residence at this time was far from being a "such a fine house".

Cheng Erniang and her daughter were staying in Song Huaizhou's room. Although the patrolmen and inspectors had tidied it up when they came to keep watch, it was only barely clean. Right now, there were still many broken tables and chairs piled up inside, and there wasn't even a wardrobe, as it had been emptied out long ago.

But Cheng Erniang still praised him highly, which showed that it wasn't just superficial.

She lost her parents at a young age, raised her younger brother on her own, had a young daughter, lost her husband, and was even kicked out of the house by her husband's family for the family property, yet she still manages to be so cheerful and optimistic.

Many people in the world are not satisfied even when they are in a honey pot, and give up on themselves in adversity, but few can find joy in suffering.

Song Miao grew increasingly fond of the second lady in front of her.

As she carefully chopped the white radish into small cubes, she asked, "Besides Guangji Temple, do people in other places need laundry services? What other good jobs do we have?"

“There are laundry rooms in the workshop where you can get jobs, but as a newcomer, I couldn’t afford to pay the manager, so I could only wash what others had left over.”

“Last time, there was a piece of clothing that was already torn when it got to me. After I returned it, the customer didn’t say anything, but the manager wanted to fine me. It was bad enough that I couldn’t make enough for my mother and daughter to live on in a day, but I had to pay out of my own pocket. I couldn’t afford it, so I had to find another job.”

"I went to several shops and teahouses looking for work, but they all complained that my Mandarin wasn't good enough!" Cheng Erniang said with a self-deprecating laugh. "Sigh, back when I was farming and growing vegetables, even the bugs in the ground didn't mind my Fuzhou accent! But now I'm always being criticized. How can I change it in a day or two? I don't believe they were born speaking Mandarin!"

Although it was rather tragic, Song Miao couldn't help but laugh when she heard this, especially with her Fuzhou accent.

Cheng Zijian originally spoke with a slight accent, but it had become less noticeable since he had been in the capital for a long time. Now, Cheng Erniang spoke fluent Mandarin, which was quite authentic and interesting, reminiscent of the Jiangnan West Road.

Song Miao got stuck in traffic on her way back today, and she also had to tidy up the accommodations for Cheng Erniang and her daughter, which took up a lot of time. Originally, the preparation time was a bit tight, but now that there is an extra person to help, the situation has improved a lot.

Cheng Erniang was used to housework and was quick and efficient. She was good at preparing ingredients and frying things. In particular, she was indeed not lying. She had great strength in her arms and could move things quickly and well, even carrying water.

The two chatted and laughed, and finished packing everything before 9 PM.

Silent all night.

The next day, Song Miao got up before dawn as usual, went to the front hall to steam glutinous rice, and then started stir-frying ingredients and making shumai.

As she was working, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she saw that it was Cheng Erniang coming out from behind, sleeves rolled up, who said enthusiastically, "I'll help you out, young lady!"

This time, Song Miao really didn't want to ask her for help, and said, "I can manage by myself, Second Madam, go and rest—it's still dark!"

He added, "Don't you go out to look for work during the day?"

Cheng Erniang said, "How can we find one in a day? I'm only thinking of helping out for the next couple of days. We'll talk about it again when we find a suitable one!"

He also said that he wanted to see how to prepare and set up a stall, and learn a few skills so that he could recommend himself when he went to taverns or restaurants in the future.

Although Song Miao felt this was just an excuse and didn't quite believe it, she didn't refuse again.

Once everything was ready and all sorts of food were loaded onto the stall cart, Cheng Erniang also wanted to go out and set up her stall.

When Song Miao asked Xiao Lian, she replied, "Children are used to sleeping in late. I told her last night that she might not be up when we get back, so we don't need to worry about her!"

Upon arriving at the food alley, they saw a long, winding queue. Cheng Erniang was initially surprised and asked, "Why are so many people queuing up? What are they waiting for?"

Then she heard a cacophony of voices calling out "Young Lady Song," "Stall Owner Song," "Young Lady," and "Finally here," which were like waves crashing against her ears, making them ring.

When Song Miaoyi reappeared, a large group of people suddenly appeared behind her. Before the stall had even settled down, the line behind her grew larger and larger, winding and turning in all directions to avoid blocking the road. Cheng Erniang was completely dumbfounded.

It took her a while to realize she should go and help.

As soon as Cheng Erniang joined in, the students lining up behind her became excited, and everyone, near and far, couldn't help but ask questions.

The man asked, "Is this a recruitment drive?"

The person asked, "Finally, we have more people! Will we be able to make larger portions from now on? Will we never have trouble buying it again?"

Someone urged, "Lunch! Stall owner Song, now that you've added more people, it's time to make lunch to sell! Make that braised pork trotter rice, I guarantee I'll eat it every day!"

Song Miao then explained to everyone with a smile that it wasn't about adding more people, but just that a friend was coming to help look after things for a couple of days.

The students booed, repeating their old arguments, urging her to add more people or to make more food.

There were only so many items, and with Cheng Erniang's help, they sold out in less than half an hour, with only a few people who had pre-ordered them yesterday not yet coming to collect them.

As dawn broke, Song Miao urged Cheng Erniang to hurry home, leaving herself to stay and keep watch.

A few moments later, guests came one after another to take their food and leave, and Cheng Zijian hurriedly came out from the door.

When he arrived at Song Miao's stall, he looked around and couldn't help but show a disappointed expression. He said, "I thought my sister would come today!"

Song Miao smiled and said, "Second Madam has arrived, but Xiao Lian is home alone, and everyone was worried about her, so I told her to go back first—Young Master Cheng is late." It turned out that Cheng Zijian had been working hard all day yesterday and was exhausted. Since his elder sister had found a place to stay and was staying at Song Miao's house, it was as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders, so he naturally fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

By the time he woke up, it was already broad daylight, and when he hurriedly went out, it was indeed too late.

Song Miao took out the food he had ordered and then told him about delivering the dried pork to the yamen yesterday.

Cheng Zijian quickly expressed his gratitude.

Song Miao added, "I mentioned to that young master Han that you wanted to host a banquet to express your gratitude, but he said there was no need for such trouble, just a few simple dishes would be fine—once you've decided on a date, let me know in advance so I can make preparations."

Cheng Zijian agreed, but then hurriedly asked, "Since you've seen Brother Han, does Master Song know when he'll be back?"

Song Miao shook her head and said, "The yamen is very busy. I saw that Young Master Han was even rushing to eat. The guard at the gate told me that they work two shifts a day, and even the judge and the military inspector live in the back yamen."

Cheng Zijian could only sigh, carrying the food, and walk back dejectedly.

If you don't keep reading, you'll fall behind.

He entered the inner room and realized that his foundation was not solid enough. There were many things he couldn't take care of. In addition to working hard day and night, he also did a lot of homework as Han Li had instructed, hoping that Han Li would come back soon so that he could get his feedback and make improvements.

Although he had a teacher, Cheng Zijian secretly believed more in the guidance of Han Zhengyan and regarded him as his first teacher.

During the days that he was away, he felt quite uneasy. He regretted that his knowledge and talent were not outstanding, unlike Kong Fuyang, who had caught the eye of Brother Han and was transferred to the capital government office together.

"Don't even mention working two shifts a day; I could stay up all night and still follow orders and get the job done! Brother Han, just give me a chance and see!"

***
Song Miao had no idea how eager Cheng Zijian was to try, and how much he wished he could have the chance.

After selling all the food, she pushed her cart home. When she entered the backyard, she found it empty. She knew that Cheng Erniang had gone out to find work, and had taken her daughter with her.

Since the person wasn't there, she didn't pay much attention to it, ate a simple meal, and then took a bamboo basket and went out to buy groceries.

Unexpectedly, just as they reached the alley entrance, they saw a familiar-looking person walking towards them—it was Duan, the wife of Li, the head constable.

When Duan saw Song Miao, he was very happy and said, "It's a good thing I stopped you here, otherwise I would have made a wasted trip!"

Song Miao greeted them with a smile and then asked what their purpose was.

Duan said, “The Cold Food Festival is just around the corner. Every year, everyone sends green rice dumplings, steamed buns, and cakes back and forth. It’s really pointless, and we can’t finish them all. The other day you made some lucky cakes, and my mother-in-law and I both enjoyed them. My husband even ate seven or eight pieces in one go and said he wanted to take some to the yamen to give to people. Can you make these here?”

Song Miao said, “It can be made, but this cake is almost entirely made of red bean paste, so it can’t be kept for long—it’s best to eat it within a day and not leave it overnight, otherwise it will turn sour. It’s a minor issue if it doesn’t taste good, but I’m afraid it will upset your stomach.”

Madam Duan readily agreed, and then added, "There's another matter. My mother-in-law is getting old and can't eat too many cold beans. Could you make her some hot ones? She ate them once and has been craving the red bean paste in your lucky cake ever since."

Song Miao thought for a moment and said, "I see that the old lady really likes noodles. How about I make her some red bean paste rolls? A thin layer of dough, filled with red bean paste, with less sugar, and thirty to fifty layers on each roll. I'll make the dough a little softer so it's delicious whether you eat it separately or together. It's not greasy, and it's perfect for a hot breakfast with some soy milk..."

Although Duan had never eaten red bean paste rolls before, as she listened, she began to imagine what they looked like and tasted, just as Song Miao had described. Her eyes immediately lit up with craving, and she hurriedly said, "Make these! Make a lot! I like them too!"

After paying a deposit and agreeing on a date to collect the goods, Song Miao took her leave. Once the purchases were complete, she carried the items on her back and finally returned home.

It was already noon. She walked to the end of the alley and saw that her front door was open. Before she even got close, a little figure jumped out from inside and called out, "Mother! Sister is back!"

She skipped and hopped forward, rushing to take the thing from Song Miao's hand—it was Xiao Lian.

Cheng Erniang inside responded and came out to greet her, taking the bamboo basket from Song Miao's back. She complained, "You should have brought a plank to carry all this stuff—or at least told me so I could help you carry it!"

He added, "The food is ready. My cooking skills are just average, so please don't find it offensive, young lady!"

With a smile, Song Miao handed a small bag to Xiao Lian and asked her to take it back. She then took the bamboo basket off and gave it to Cheng Erniang, carrying only the two baskets as she walked home.

As soon as you enter, you can smell the aroma of food – there is a bench in the middle of the front room with two dishes on it and a basket of steamed buns that are ready and still warm.

The house, which used to be quiet and deserted, suddenly felt more lively and welcoming when I came back.

When Song Miao came out after washing her hands, Xiao Lian was already waiting eagerly.

She sat down, greeted them, and began eating with the mother and daughter.

One dish of cabbage and pork slices, one dish of spinach, tofu and egg soup, and a small dish of braised goose meat.

The goose meat was bought fresh; everything else was prepared by Cheng Erniang herself.

Song Miao tasted it and suddenly discovered that this second wife had a very good quality—honesty.

She said her skills were ordinary, and that really meant they were ordinary; it wasn't just modesty.

The cabbage was overcooked, the pork slices were cut too thin to be palatable, the spinach was too salty, the tofu was bland, and although the egg was clearly beaten whole—I meant to eat a whole egg—it just scrambled in the pot…

Seeing that the child only wanted to eat cabbage and tofu, she put the goose meat in front of the child and also served her an egg.

Xiao Lian quickly said, "Sister, eat!"

Cheng Erniang also urged the vegetables to be cooked.

As they ate, Song Miao suddenly noticed that Xiao Lian would dip a bite of the steamed bun in the soup—not only Xiao Lian, but Cheng Erniang did the same.

She looked closely and asked, "Why do the steamed buns that everyone eats look different?"

Cheng Erniang's face immediately showed embarrassment. She said, "I borrowed the kitchen at Guangji Temple earlier. In order to save firewood, I learned to make steamed buns like others. But we usually eat rice at home and rarely eat noodles, so we didn't make them very well. They've been sitting overnight, and even if we steamed them, they would still be dry and hard. Even I would find it hard to swallow them. I was really embarrassed to give them to you, so I bought two separately."

Song Miao looked into the basket of steamed buns and sure enough, one of them was much prettier. It was from the same family as the one in her hand, so she guessed it was bought from outside. The rest were all different shapes.

She reached out and took a steamed bun made by Cheng Erniang, broke off a piece and tasted it. It was indeed dry and hard. After thinking for a moment, she laughed and said, "It doesn't matter. I'll heat it up and use it to make a steamed bun. It will taste just as good."

There were only five leftover steamed buns. She cut them into small pieces, soaked them in water for a while, then heated oil in the stove. Once the oil was hot, she squeezed the steamed bun pieces until they were half-dry, then fried them in the oil until golden brown. She added a spoonful of sugar and two spoonfuls of water to make a semi-thick syrup, then stir-fried the steamed bun pieces in the syrup until they were mostly coated. She then took them out of the pot.

In just a short while, the dry, cold steamed buns were transformed into sweet and fragrant steamed buns.

Song Miao smiled and said, "This is also called a glazed steamed bun. I heard that it is served as a table-top treat for children at banquets in the countryside. Xiao Lian, try it and see if you like it?"

A square, golden-brown, crispy fried steamed bun was placed in front of Xiaolian. It was coated with a thin layer of syrup, which was as shiny and translucent as glass, and had a sweet aroma.

Xiao Lian almost forced herself to look at Cheng Erniang, her small eyes practically speaking volumes—"I want to eat, Mother, can I eat?"

***
In Suanzao Alley, Xiaolian's mouth watered as she craved a steaming hot glazed bun. Meanwhile, in the Kyoto government office, Cai Xiu had no appetite for the food in front of her, which had already gone cold.

(End of this chapter)