Chapter 334: Wonderful Kitchen Chapter 356: Improved

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Song Miao

The most troublesome thing about this steamed bun is the filling; it's not difficult to make, just tedious.

For salted duck eggs, only the duck egg yolk is used; wash off the layer of egg white clinging to the outside, sprinkle a little clear wine to remove the fishy smell, bake it in a small stove until cooked and fragrant, take it out and crush it—it must be sifted through a fine sieve three times, leaving not a single lump, sifted fine and dense.

Cook cow's milk slowly with a little white sugar; at this time, an iron pot cannot be used, a sandal pot must be used to avoid ruining the color, stir-fried into a thick, flowing consistency.

Once both are done, put the crushed egg yolk, thick cow's milk, sugar, a little crystal paste that only uses freezing ingredients without any seasonings, and lard, stir evenly with chopsticks carefully, then sift through twice more, place in a shallow-bottomed porcelain plate, and freeze it.

Big Pancake had previously heard there was a new steamed bun to learn and was quite happy, but while working, he felt increasingly uneasy in his heart and couldn't help asking: "Young Lady, this takes so much time and effort, requires ice, so many salted egg yolks, cow's milk, and sugar; when setting the price, how much should we set it to break even?"

Zhang Siniang was originally shoveling ice; hearing this, she also chimed in: "Winter is better—take it out in winter to freeze, no need for ice, it will harden in no time, saving ice money, but the ingredients aren't cheap either, and who knows if we can set a price."

She asked herself she had been wrapping steamed buns for a long time, no longer a Wu Xia A Si, and had quite some confidence in her skill, so she couldn't help asking again: "Young Lady, if we don't freeze it, can we wrap it carefully?"

"This filling melts when it meets heat and cannot be wrapped; in a moment, you take some unfrozen filling out to wrap and try, and you'll know; it's not completely unusable, just more time-consuming and laborious, and easy to burst and leak filling."

Song Miao said, scooping up a spoonful lightly with a spoon; sure enough, as the spoon tilted, it was like scooping thick soup, unable to hold its shape at all.

"This steamed bun is most suitable for the elderly and children; if there are those who like sweet flavors, they will probably like it too, just like flaky steamed buns, best made and eaten fresh; we only set the normal price, those who like it will come buy it, dine-in only, no delivery, and this item won't be sold at stalls."

She thought for a moment, then said: "Another method can be set, for example, pricing at seven wen each, or for those dining at the food shop, after spending a certain amount, give them a Head Steamed Bun—set this amount higher, or after spending a certain amount, they can use money to buy it—set this amount slightly lower here, at three or four wen each."

"Even seven wen is too cheap?!" Big Pancake interrupted hastily.

Song Miao smiled: "Not necessarily seven wen, but seven wen is quite suitable; this is a small steamed bun, you think what? Only the size of an infant's fist—inside there is salted egg yolk, and sugar is added; if made too big, it's not greasy enough!"

Hearing Song Miao say greasy, Big Pancake opposite and Zhang Siniang alike exchanged glances, but it was rare that they pouted.

"Young Lady says greasy, I won't believe it anymore!"

"Exactly! Whenever Young Lady finds fault, I eat it myself at home and have never felt it wasn't good—last time you said Black Char Siu was greasy! I only hate that my stomach isn't big enough, there's no chance to say it's greasy at all!"

"Roast Pigeon and Flaky Steamed Bun too! Young Lady says eating too much will feel oily—where is the oil!"

One person complained for Black Char Siu, the other shouted injustice for Roast Pigeon and Flaky Steamed Bun.

The kitchen was filled with talking and laughing, while watching the time to knead dough and let it rise, preparing dishes.

At this moment Zhang Siniang asked: "Young Lady, what should we do with so much salted egg white left here?"

People of this time have a clear preference for salted duck eggs; in terms of taste, most like salted egg yolk, only a few like salted egg white; right now this large basin of salted egg white cannot be thrown away, but it's also hard to dispose of.

Hearing this, Song Miao turned and glanced at all the ingredients in the back kitchen, saying: "Take them to make dishes; if there's still some left that can't be used up, at noon just cook noodles for the various escort masters—add salted egg white instead of water when kneading the dough, and the noodles will be more chewy; if still not used up, we can use it to knead dough and bake flatbread, which is also very delicious."

Except for the dishes ordered by Cao Fuzi, Song Ji also had guests who booked a table for noon; Song Miao brought Zhang Siniang and Big Pancake, along with several assistant young ladies, and they were busy here.

Also sweating, running back and forth, busy, were Wu Gong and his group on the river dike outside the city.

This year's rain is truly strange; even after entering autumn, the flood season continues without end.

A few days ago, there was continuous heavy rain upstream, causing the river water outside Jingcheng to surge violently; the day before yesterday, in one night, it nearly overflowed the river dike several times; finally, by repeatedly releasing water into the regulation river and closing the checkpoints to block water, the safety within the city was not affected.

Now that the water situation has slightly subsided, Wu Gong finally caught his breath; he had just dozed for a while when the sky was just turning bright, and he received news that the Emperor's carriage was approaching.

Without any warning, it came as soon as it was said, not giving any time to prepare; Wu Gong couldn't curse the current Emperor for causing trouble, so he had to hurriedly summon his subordinates.

After explaining all sorts of matters one by one, he sent someone to call Han Li over; first he told him about the Emperor's visit, then said: "I really can't get away on my end; you are most familiar with the laborers and carpenters, and you just repaired the dike together; hurry and take people to help check it once; after I finish my business, I'll go re-check!"

When he finally had free time, he led people to patrol both sides again; sure enough, every post and position was fulfilling their duties; the laborers, carpenters, and so on were all in perfect order; places that needed patching were patched, places that needed repair were repaired; even materials for addition and replacement had been prepared, and the records of requisition and replacement were clear.

Seeing that everything was ready and he didn't need to worry anymore, Wu Gong finally breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to report to his superiors.

After he left, the group of students seconded from behind gathered around; seeing no officials present, they all asked questions.

"Brother Han, will the Emperor really come?"

"Younger Brother Han, do you know if the Emperor's inspection will only look at the river dike, or will he also find people to ask questions?"

Han Li shook his head and said: "Right now we only received the news; whether His Majesty will come, when he will come, I don't know either."

He added: "However, the current Emperor has always been very concerned about water affairs and values students; if he really comes and sees seconded students here, asking a few more questions is only reasonable—everyone prepare well, it can't be wrong."

Among the students, there happened to be one who had been to Hua Prefecture before; speaking more familiarly and closely, he also asked: "Leader, if His Majesty really comes and asks questions, how should we answer? Is there anything to pay attention to?"

Han Li said: "I am just a student myself; however, we are after all students, and the current Emperor won't be overly demanding; as long as you are familiar with the work at hand, answer whatever is asked; even if it might not be asked, if it is asked, not stammering when replying is already quite remarkable, counting as winning half the battle."

Originally, the group of students were quite nervous; hearing this, they couldn't help but laugh.

"Brother Han, teach us; how can we speak without stammering!"

"Exactly! Leader, quickly teach us; how to speak like you, fast and sharp, pap pap pap..." This person just started, "pap" a few times, but then suddenly stammered.

At once, everyone laughed even harder.

After being busy for two days, seeing the water recede quite a bit, everyone was not as nervous as when they first got on the embankment; hearing that the Emperor was coming, although they knew it probably had nothing to do with them, they were still somewhat excited.

—What if!

If I perform especially outstandingly today, and the Emperor remembers my name and appearance, in the future...

I heard that during the palace examination, the Emperor will personally inspect; at that time, not only will he look at people, but also at the exam papers—that is, not anonymous!

Hey, hehe!

A group of seconded students were here familiarizing themselves with their post duties; the Du Shui Jian Cheng, Du Shui Jian Grand Director of Bian River Affairs, and others had already set out early to welcome the carriage.

On the way, they met one person after another, and also encountered many people; they were Zhao Fuyin of the Capital Prefecture Office, Prefect Zheng, and a group of other officials.

The Emperor hadn't arrived yet, so everyone started chatting in low voices; first discussing that this flood was severe; clearly it hadn't rained in the capital, yet the flood came fiercely, giving people no time to react at all.

"My family is still asking, saying they can't see any flooding in the city, it just seems the water is a bit muddy, but everywhere they say there's severe flooding outside the city."

"If it comes again, I'm afraid the regulation river diversion won't be usable—I heard too much water was released, and farmland outside the city has already been flooded..."

A group of officials whispered behind; the two or three highest-ranking officials in front greeted each other, said a few words, and gradually quieted down.

Unlike the students below, the officials who came to welcome here had no excitement at all; some were yawning and closing their eyes to rest; some were standing here, with subordinates constantly running over to ask for instructions; others were chatting idly or discussing matters with people beside them.

Everyone had already lined up and arranged their order, standing here talking.

As they spoke, gradually there was one spot where many people had gathered together.

"Heard about it? Prince Lu has gotten another son."

"Truly fertile!"

"How many years has it been? Why doesn't he go to his fief?"

"It's not under our control either. The Censorate has impeached him who knows how many times; memorials were submitted, all left unanswered. After seeing it for long, most no longer wish to bother."

"It seems Li Canzheng and Feng Du Zhi both went to Liu Ta He. That Chan Prefecture river has been open for nearly a year with no result. Now they say stop and it stops, and they want to recall Lv Zhongchang too. Don't know what the situation is."

"He may not be willing to return! In the past Lv Zhongchang also served in the Du Shui Jian for several years. His temper was very ugly, his mouth also hard, most unable to lose face. With his personality, I fear today they say stop, tomorrow he could have the river opened for you — wood already made into boat, blocking is useless!"

The people present naturally did not take these words seriously; even the speaker was not serious, just joking.

As the crowd spoke, a person hurriedly came from outside, rushed to report the news. After not long, the Emperor's ceremonial procession finally arrived.

Zhao Yu arrived at the place, immediately descended from the palanquin, first waived everyone's bows, not delaying a moment, and went to inspect the embankment and dam and the water situation.

The Du Shui Jian Cheng hurriedly walked at the very front to lead the way. As he walked, he introduced to the Emperor the current flood control and embankment repair situation, and also summoned Wu Gong to come over to check for omissions and fill gaps.

It was said to check for omissions and fill gaps, but once Wu Gong arrived, as he led, it turned into him alone doing the introductions.

Zhao Yu walked while listening, listened while asking. First he went up the embankment and dam and walked half the road. As he walked, he suddenly stopped his footsteps.

He did not follow Wu Gong's guidance to continue forward, but found a slope, pointed at the downward road, and said: "Can we walk here?"

The Emperor spoke, and immediately imperial guards cleared the way in front.

Zhao Yu walked down from the slope.

Below there happened to be several dozen laborers moving sand and carrying loads. Seeing many superiors above protecting, a group of officials clustered around this one person in the middle.

That man wore a soft cap, narrow sleeves and narrow robe, at his waist a Rhino Horn Gold Jade Belt, on his feet a pair of black boots. He looked very kind.

He stepped forward and questioned the crowd — nothing more than when everyone came, what corvée they served, whether they were here last night, how the water situation was these two days, whether they could cope, what work they usually did, coming here for corvée, whether it delayed farming season.

Although the other party did not introduce much, the laborers had already been briefed by clerks earlier, knowing the Emperor would come. They just didn't think it would have anything to do with themselves. Now seeing the person arrive, and seeing many purple robes and scarlet robes behind him treating him with great respect, and hearing such questions, none were fools. Where could they not guess who the visitor was? At this moment they all rushed to answer.

For a moment seven mouths eight tongues answered. Among them one person couldn't help but ask: "You... You are the current Emperor?!"

Zhao Yu answered with a sound, extended his hand, patted the other's shoulder, and said: "I cannot personally guard the embankment. It relies entirely on your day and night hardship that the Capital's safety is protected — if the flood breaches and drowns the city, the consequences are unthinkable."

The one who asked just now was a man of about thirty. Hearing such a reply, his shoulder patted by the current Sage Emperor personally, he was truly both fearful and excited, also inspired. For some reason his eyes reddened, and tears actually welled up.

He hurriedly used his sleeve to wipe both eyes, and said: "Not... not hard! Your Majesty... Your Majesty!"

But he wanted to learn a few auspicious words. Words reached his mouth, not a single character could come out.

At the side the other laborers immediately chimed in: "Your Majesty is wise and enlightened!"

Zhao Yu let out a long sigh, and said: "If I were truly wise and enlightened, how could there be such flood disasters!"

"Heaven wants to rain, that's Heaven not being good. What relation does it have with Your Majesty!"

Not to mention the current Emperor's personality is broad and generous, his reputation among the common people very good. Even if his reputation were bad, a living Emperor standing before you, ordinary people would also help lift the flower sedan chair a bit.

This person finished speaking, the rest hurriedly echoed.

Zhao Yu shook his head. At the corners of his eyes faintly there was water light.

He was silent for a few breaths, pointed at that laborer's two loads on the carrying pole, and asked: "What is this carrying? Sand and stone?"

The crowd all answered yes.

"They are sandstone bags, for blocking water!"

"Superiors told us to carry to the sweep-work side!"

"Your Majesty, these sandbags block water very fiercely!"

Zhao Yu then reached out and took the carrying pole, and said: "I will also carry a load for a round."

He had indeed carried loads before. Although many years apart, he tried, and before long he picked the knack back up. Not very skilled, but quite some semblance.

A group of laborers split into two batches. One batch led the way, one batch clustered around Zhao Yu like this to the sweep-work place, even making the imperial guards at the side scramble for a place to stand, somewhat flustered.

Zhao Yu did not just carry one round.

He went back and forth carrying four trips, sixteen bags of sand and stone in total, only then stopped.

A group of laborers with tearful eyes sent off the Emperor.

A group of officials followed behind, each with hard-to-discern expressions.

Wu Gong hurried a few steps forward, and again began introducing the situation on the river dike.

Very soon, they arrived at the sweep-work side.

Zhao Yu was not coming to inspect the embankment for the first time. He quickly saw the difference, and said: "This time the sweep-work is built very well ah, more solid and steady than before! With time so rushed, still able to achieve this state, shows it was truly done with care!"

Wu Gong said: "This official dares not claim all the credit. This time the sweep-work and woodwork were done by borrowing a group of students, led by Taixue student Han Li, bringing along Guo Hong, Fan Yimin, Hu Dajing and over ten others to assist, only then achieving such effect."

Zhao Yu was stunned for a moment, then laughed and said: "So it is that Han Li ah!"

And said: "This person accomplished much in Hua Prefecture. Now merely commanding students to assist with sweep-work and woodwork, it is truly using a butcher's knife to kill a chicken!"

He finished speaking, then asked: "Where is he?"

The Emperor inquired. Not long after, Han Li came out, took over Wu Gong's position, introduced each place one by one, and there also came a group of responsible students and craftsmen.

He spoke very carefully. Who was called what name, responsible for what, originally from where, what effect the things done had.

Zhao Yu listened and listened, walked slower and slower. Couldn't help but first praise a round the students and craftsmen. By the end, he said to Han Li: "Although you are a student, you are already able to bear great use, sharing my worries."

"Student dares not — Student attends Taixue, receives teaching from great scholars, each month also has stipend. Daily the canteen supplies good rice and good food. All relies on Your Majesty caring for students, only then such generous treatment. Moreover Your Majesty has always cared for the common people, known throughout the land. Student though not a minister, eats the ruler's salary, bears the ruler's worries. It is my duty, also my conscience. Not worth mentioning."

On the river the flood had receded. Everything was orderly. Laborers united, craftsmen capable. Now even students were employed. When Zhao Yu left, he was extremely satisfied.

On the return road, Zhao Yu couldn't help but carefully savor what that Han Li said. Seeing the palanquin reach halfway, ahead was Zhuque Gate. He suddenly called the imperial guard commander, shouted to stop the carriage.

"Go to Taixue." He said.

It had been some time since last time. Just now in front of everyone it was not good to ask in detail — don't know if the steamed buns were improved, whether the students truly have good food to eat!