Chapter 36

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

Wang Chang's belly was full of sour pickled radish; his stomach had long been opened up until he could practically eat a whole cow. Seeing everyone else snatching the food, how could he hold back? He hurriedly cupped a lotus leaf wrap and brought it over.

The dried lotus leaf originally carried a faint clear fragrance, but the moment it was opened, that clear fragrance was completely overwhelmed by the pig trotter rice aroma inside, leaving no trace.

The lotus leaf was wrapped very loosely and did not press down on the rice and dishes inside.

The rice was steaming hot, looking very loose and scattered, with a small half ladled over with braising sauce, topped with a corner of sour pickled vegetables, and beside it lay a peeled chicken egg tinged with a faint soy sauce color — all still steaming.

The pig trotters braised to an amber color were arranged on top, already deboned, leaving only the pig trotter meat with alternating fat and lean — that meat must have been slow-braised over low heat, visibly soft and glutinous, barely maintaining a bit of the fat's shape by relying on a thin layer of pig skin, lying on the lean meat.

The lean meat had become so tender it fell apart; a light touch of chopsticks made it collapse into strands.

The rich mellow braising sauce and the pig trotter's fatty succulence blended together into a soul-hooking aroma; once it drilled into a person's nasal cavity, it could instantly hook out every gluttonous bug in the belly.

Wang Chang's hands were trembling with craving; he fiercely grabbed his chopsticks, picked up a large piece of meat, half-wrapped in rice, and tried to shove it into his mouth.

The pig trotter meat inside the lotus leaf wrap trembled along with his shaking hand; the red-amber pig skin carrying the meat swayed slightly, then *pa*—it fell back onto the lotus leaf — too tender, without a knack for technique it simply could not be picked up.

He was frantic; he hurriedly brought his mouth to the lotus leaf wrap, wrapped in meat, and shoveled a big mouthful of rice mixed with braising sauce into his mouth.

So fragrant!

Thievingly fragrant!

Wang Chang chewed fiercely several times, simply unwilling to swallow — the braising sauce was too rich and mellow, yet it completely failed to cover the pig trotter's meat fragrance.

The pig trotter skin was soft and glutinous, with a bit of gelatinous texture; the fat inside was meltingly tender, the lean meat crisp and tender, truly achieving oil fragrance, meat fragrance, and braising fragrance all melting open in the mouth.

The fatty part of the pig trotter was plump, the lean part tender; if one ate the tendon, it carried a slight chewiness — the three wrapped together with rice — the rice's fragrance was completely not stolen away by the meat fragrance and braising fragrance.

The rice grains were slender, dry-bodied and loose, not sticking together at all; when chewing, the rice fragrance was not overly strong, not fighting for flavor — it couldn't fight for flavor anyway, and it wasn't a sticky coating, but rather well-absorbed the pig trotter's oiliness and the braising sauce's fragrance, yet calmly retained each grain's own rice fragrance in the middle.

There was also that sour pickled vegetable, salty with a touch of sour, adding two parts of flavor, cutting grease and relieving richness, enriching the texture.

Everything matched just right.

Only one thing was not good.

This pig trotter rice seemed to have a mind of its own, completely refusing to obey Wang Chang's command; in his mouth it only rolled a few times before swiftly sliding down his throat and dropping into his guts.

Clearly the rice and dishes added up to a very large portion, yet Wang Chang always felt he had actually hardly eaten a few bites.

By the time he reacted, the lotus leaf wrap had only one egg left, plus a few mouthfuls of leftover plain rice, and two triangular pieces of dried tofu.

He picked up that egg and took a bite — soft and tender, the white already perfectly cooked, the yolk just barely set, the very center still a tiny bit half-runny, slightly salty, very egg-fragrant, miraculously even carrying a scallion fragrance, and also a faint spiciness on its own.

— A boiled chicken egg could actually be this delicious?!

Wang Chang ate and ate until he became a bit foolish.

Who am I?

Where am I?

Where did this kind of blissful life come from?

Can I eat this tomorrow? Can I eat it every day?

A whole room of people were all eating, and at extreme speed, every single one not even lifting their heads.

Such a reaction, however, made the onlookers who had followed over anxious beyond measure.

"Smells so good."

"You bunch of guys, how come you only care about eating, none of you saying a word!"

"How is it, say something, is it good or not?"

"Say a few words, say a few phrases, aiyah! You're going to worry me to death!"

"It's too fragrant, mother! That pig trotter looks mouthwatering just looking at it — any left? Sell a portion to us brothers!"

Someone simply went inside, found someone they knew, and asked: "How is it? What flavor? Is there anywhere outside to buy it? Five or six parts similarity is enough — this is too fragrant, it's making me drool!"

The student who was found had rice in his mouth; only after much difficulty did he *yi yi wu wu* swallow it down, then said: "Fragrant! I have no knowledge, haven't eaten anything good; when I eat something similar somewhere I'll tell you!"

I'm going!

Wait for you to eat!

Wait for you to go outside and eat? Wouldn't the yellow flower vegetable be cold by then!

The onlookers were all staring at him, pricking up their ears listening seriously; who knew they'd get such an answer, they all booed him.

This person didn't mind, just *heihei* laughed, but seeing his friend standing at the side, wanting to leave yet reluctant, secretly staring at his own rice from time to time, too embarrassed to stare so rudely, pretending not to care by turning his head away, thinking of their past friendship, he steeled his heart, made a huge resolve, turned the lotus leaf wrap in his hand around, and said: "This spot I haven't moved much, if you don't mind..."

He hesitated a moment, finally added a specific prefix, then continued: "If you don't mind, Xiao Xiao come taste a bite?"

That friend did want face, barely managed not to agree in one breath, only politely said: "This, this... not too good, right?"

"What nonsense, the meat's getting cold, hurry up and eat!"

"Go on! Go on!"

"Exactly, if you won't eat I'll help you eat!"

"You're so embarrassed, I'm not; you move aside, let me!"

The onlookers at the side couldn't stand watching anymore, and all clamored.

The student offering the rice also laughed and scolded: "What are you pretending for, if you really won't eat, I won't offer!"

Speaking, he turned the bamboo chopsticks in his hand around to the other end and handed them over.

This friend *xixihixi*, face almost laughing apart, hurriedly snatched the chopsticks, saying: "Good brother, I knew our feelings were extraordinary! In the future just watch how this younger brother treats you!"

Speaking, he did know how to behave after all, not daring to scoop too much pig trotter meat, only picking a small square where skin and meat connected, and picking a bit of sour pickled vegetable, finally eating it into his mouth; chewing and chewing, his whole face visibly brightened.

Among the crowd of onlookers there were originally those who had eaten their fill; at this moment they were also made hungry by watching, and there were those who hadn't eaten yet, originally just passing by and conveniently glancing over, still holding rice bowls in their hands, also craving beyond measure, unable to wait to return to their own study halls, so they had to open the lids and eat right there on the spot.

But the food from his own canteen, perfunctorily put together, simply couldn't compare with the fragrant, mouth-watering Pig Trotter Rice in this room; after just two or three bites, they all felt the food in their hands was dry and bland, with no flavor at all.

Poor students, eating while having to use the scent of Pig Trotter Rice from the Xue Zhai as a side dish, momentarily not knowing whether they had gained or lost big.

Everyone in the Xue Zhai ate with great joy, but inside the Teaching Hall of the Shangshe, it was a different scene.

Earlier, several teachers had eaten Glutinous Rice and then Shao Mai, but three people shared one set, not even enough to fill their stomachs, how could they be satisfied?

Naturally, they all asked Cheng Zijian where it came from.

When they learned it was the stall owner hanging the "Song Ji" signboard in Food Alley who sold it daily, only available early in the morning and requiring queuing to grab, and that it was already sold out today, they each gave up in frustration.

"Zijian indeed took a clever approach; others can't imitate it—Han Li only has one stomach, after all, it's not like everyone can send him food, and he can't eat that much!"

Duan Fuzi's tone carried a hint of sourness.

Truly, the world's morals decline day by day, and human hearts are no longer as they once were.

I have been a teacher for so many years, truly diligent and very considerate of the students; how is it that among so many people, not one would send such delicious Glutinous Rice and Shao Mai to me for breakfast?

It would be nice to try something fresh!

Never mind; if word gets out, those who don't know might think this teacher accepts bribes from students and shows favoritism in private.

He had to find another way, changing his angle to comfort himself.

But Chen Fuzi didn't have so many concerns; he even specifically asked Cheng Zijian which "Song" it was and roughly what time he set up his stall, and then, finding ready paper and brush, wrote it down. Seeing everyone in the room looking at him, he then righteously said, "I'm old and forget things easily."

With this matter dropped, Duan Fuzi and the other two immediately brought the topic back, ceaselessly persuading, wanting Chen Fuzi to step in and convince Han Li to help each other with brotherly love, assisting the Lower Hall students in reviewing their writings; if that really didn't work, they were all scholars, so it wasn't right to say teaching, but at least come more often for exchange.

But Chen Fuzi said, "If it were someone else, I could say a few words, but Zheng Yan has many matters at hand, and people have their own ideas; I can't make decisions for him..."

Cheng Zijian listened from the side and also felt that Brother Han was very tired of trivial matters and wouldn't be willing to take on this job.

But Duan Fuzi and the other two took turns speaking, persuading for half a day, their lips nearly worn out, ceaselessly bringing up the students' studies.

Seeing Chen Fuzi's tone gradually softening, Cheng Zijian's heart gradually began to feel anxious.

Everyone has selfish motives; he was naturally no exception—if Chen Fuzi really went to persuade him, and Brother Han couldn't refuse and agreed, would he feel that Cheng Zijian, this meddlesome person, got a good deal and acted smug, bringing trouble?

If Brother Han didn't agree, wouldn't he offend the teachers?

Wouldn't that be an even greater sin?

Moreover, they had clearly agreed earlier to ask Brother Han to save room for his stomach, to send food over; the teachers still wouldn't let him leave now. If people were kept waiting hungry, what if they thought Cheng Zijian was untrustworthy?

Besides, since he wasn't leading the group, his classmates might still be waiting; could he really ask Song Xiaoniangzi to push such a heavy cart alone?

How could he be so embarrassed?

Cheng Zijian had always been an honest person; in front of the teachers, even if he had gas, he would hold it back hard, afraid to make a sound. At this moment, countless worries filled his heart, his intestines tied in a hundred knots, yet he dared not interrupt, only kept looking toward the door, and secretly tiptoed to look at the water clock in the corner.

Just then, the bell for the end of class finally rang.

Duan Fuzi and the other two, who had been persuading for a long time, finally came to their senses.

Another teacher said, "Just in time for class to end; I suppose they're all hungry. Teacher, why not call Han Li over, and we'll go outside to find a food shop? Old Duan and I will treat; Teacher, you take the seat of honor, and we'll invite Han Li to eat. Once at the table, everything can be easily discussed!"

With words put to this extent, seeing that he couldn't refuse, Chen Fuzi had no choice but to agree.

The teacher turned his head, saw Cheng Zijian beside him, and said, "Cheng Zijian, come along too."

Cheng Zijian's heart had not yet had time to settle back into his stomach before it was pinched up high again.

He hurriedly waved his hands, saying, "No... no need, right!"

But Duan Fuzi said, "Han Li has helped you so much; it's only right for you to come along as company. Moreover, a table full of meat dishes—just the three of us old men, how much can we eat? We still need you young people."

Cheng Zijian could clearly see that his own teacher was intentionally taking care of him: first, to get familiar with Chen Fuzi, and second, to sympathize with his poverty and give him a little treat.

Normally, no matter what, he would go, but unfortunately, he ran into today.

The teacher was so kind-hearted that Cheng Zijian could no longer hide and keep it secret.

He honestly said, "It's really inconvenient today—the student had agreed to send Brother Han lunch..."

The three teachers were all stunned and looked at him.

"It's also made by the Song stall owner; it's Pig Trotter Rice, heard it even comes with soup..."

Cheng Zijian dared not speak too plainly.

The public examination was imminent; a bunch of students weren't properly studying their books, staying up all night to copy "Wei Xingtong," and most of them were Lower Hall students. Although well-intentioned, it was ultimately neglecting their proper duties. If exposed, they would surely be scolded.

But he really thought too much.

When the teachers heard that the Pig Trotter Rice, Shao Mai, and Glutinous Rice were all made by the same person, they all became interested and had no time to investigate why there was Pig Trotter Rice.

Especially Chen Fuzi; his eyes lit up with a swoosh, and he said, "Pig Trotter Rice? How many portions were made? Are there any left?"

But the light in his eyes gradually dimmed again, and he said, "My teeth aren't good, and I don't know if the pig trotters are stewed soft or not—you young people probably like something chewy; I guess it's a bit hard?"

"If Teacher can't chew it, I'll help share and eat it." The other teacher no longer mentioned going outside to find a food shop or holding a banquet, but simply interjected.

Chen Fuzi, hearing this, became extremely anxious and hurriedly said, "No need, no need for you to help! If I can't chew it, I'll, I'll cut a piece with a knife and swallow it whole, just to taste the flavor!"

After saying this, he himself laughed.

Duan Fuzi then said, "It's rare that Teacher wants to eat—Zijian, go ask if there's any extra Pig Trotter Rice."

Saying this, he hurriedly gave Cheng Zijian a look; while signaling, he himself couldn't help but swallow his saliva.

Cheng Zijian silently cursed his misfortune.

They were all his own teachers; how could he neglect them?

Moreover, Duan Fuzi was helping him like this, and Chen Fuzi had such a reputation, being such a good person. This time, it was originally for the students' studies that they were trying every means. Even if he told his classmates, he couldn't refuse.

Fortunately, Song Xiaoniangzi said yesterday she would make thirty-five portions. Counting the heads, it could barely supply these three ancestors.

But he didn't dare to guarantee it, so he said, "There should be some, I just don't know how many... Let me go check first. If there's extra, I'll have it sent over together?"

"Go quickly! Go quickly!" The three teachers almost spoke in unison.

Chen Fuzi, after speaking, suddenly came to his senses and said, "Send Zheng Yan's portion over here as well."

Saying this, he hurriedly rang the bell.

Not long after, a person came in.

"Xiao You, go to the Shangshe dormitory and tell Zheng Yan that I have an urgent matter here, ask him to come over."

The person called Xiao You agreed first, then paused, and seeing so many people in the room, hesitated for a moment, but still steeled himself to ask: "I wonder what matter the teacher has? Uncle has had many affairs lately; if it's not made clear, I'm afraid he..."

Chen Fuzi laughed and scolded: "You first say I have an urgent matter to find him; if he's unwilling to come, you then say his lunch has been delivered here, tell him to come over and eat — I want to see just which carries more weight in this brat's heart, my words or his lunch!"