Chapter 122

Chen Wuji's crab hasn't even come out of the pot yet, but these people have already finished cooking the mantis shrimp.

"Chen Xiaoyou, do you still have any of this?" Han Chunshen asked, still wanting more.

Chen Wuji shook his head: "There's still a little left, but I saved it for the ladies at home so they can try some too. You'll have crab and beef later; we caught just this much up the mountain today."

Upon seeing these people's appearance, Chen Wuji suddenly realized that perhaps at home they could add a stir-fried mantis shrimp business.

If Licentiate Yuan is not mistaken, this thing should be easy to gather over the next three months.

Plus his recipe, it can completely be a seasonal business.

Charging one or two hundred wen per plate shouldn't be excessive, right?

Han Chunshen said regretfully: "It's the first time I've tasted something this fresh, yet I was almost deceived by his ferocious appearance. May I ask Chen Xiaoyou to spare some more? I've put my old face on the line today just to taste a bit more—I'm really… still wanting more!"

"Well..." Chen Wuji was at a loss.

Whether to say it or not, this old man's request is indeed rather bold.

Huo Sanniang glanced at the mantis shrimp Chen Wuji left, and softly asked: "Wuji, we three just need a little taste; let the guests eat well. If we want more, you can make it another day."

"Alright then." Chen Wuji could only nod.

He just wanted the wives to try something fresh, to satisfy their cravings.

But since she said that, he couldn't do something that would offend people.

Huo Sanniang set aside a plate, then brought the rest to the table: "Please enjoy, everyone. Wuji thought we hadn't tried this before, so he wanted us to have more. But it's no trouble."

Han Chunshen felt a bit sorry: "How did this come about? We as guests have turned into troublesome ones—this is ugly, ugly. Just give us a little less, just a little."

After the round of modesty, the mantis shrimp Chen Wuji had left was split in half.

Han Chunshen's eyes fixed on the mantis shrimp on the table, he half-bent and shouted outside: "Chunsheng! Chunsheng, go get two bolts of cloth from the cart!"

"Yes, sir!" someone outside replied.

Moments later, a youth came running in, clutching two bolts of cloth, his footsteps pattering.

"This meal, I can't just eat it for free; these two bolts of cloth are for the ladies to make clothes." Han Chunshen bowed to Chen Wuji and apologetically said.

Having said that, Han Chunshen also felt his old face burning hot, and still wanted to save face.

"Shopkeeper Han, you're being too polite; I said I'd treat you to a simple meal—why are you going to such expense?" Chen Wuji said.

With you doing this, how am I going to swindle your silver later?

Han Chunshen waved his hand: "The cloth is trivial, just a token of my apology. Besides, I have a shameless request, Chen Xiaoyou—could I often come over for a free meal? I ask for nothing else; having this dish is enough. To admit it, aside from this, I'm fine, but I can't quit this craving."

"Recently there's a stall selling Dongpo meat in East Market; I go there first every day and eat the first, hottest bite."

Chen Wuji had already noticed that.

Someone who has brought their business to such a level, yet when eating at someone else's home they discard all etiquette—only a true lover of good food could do that.

Even ordinary people who think something is delicious would never dare to make such a request.

"My place is always open, though the road is a bit far." Chen Wuji paused, then continued: "If Elder Han likes it, I have an idea: when I gain something on the mountain, I'll have it stir-fried and sent to your residence; you just have someone reheat it."

"And as for that Dongpo meat, Elder Han doesn't need to suffer the queue; I'll give the word and have them send it over to you."

Han Chunshen was somewhat surprised: "So Chen Xiaoyou is actually connected to that Dongpo meat seller?"

"Indeed there is some connection." Chen Wuji smiled faintly, without elaborating further.

Han Chunshen happily exclaimed: "No wonder! With Chen Wuji around, those taverns and tea houses in Yunan City are likely to suffer. But we food lovers are blessed. Let's leave it at that—when the time comes, we'll have to trouble Chen Wuji."

"It's just a small effort; please patronize me often, and my business will thrive." Chen Wuji laughed.

"Good wine fears no deep alley; with Chen Xiaoshou's skill, even if we don't speak of the distant future, in Nan Jun's little plot of land you'll surely have a place." Han Chunshen had absolute confidence in this.

Based on his eating experience, as long as this kid isn't eyed by those powerful clans, he will surely rely on these kitchen skills to become rich and wealthy, with a waist full of cash.

Chen Wuji also has confidence in that.

Da Yu's cuisine is traditional in every aspect, and its flavor is not particularly rich.

Among them, the most prominent are the various kinds of soups/stews.

But no matter how many variations you give the soup, it always seems somewhat thin.

However, soup paired with stir-fried dishes makes a perfect combination.

Chen Wuji invited these two to his home today; what he really wanted was actually another business.

Unexpectedly, a plate of stir-fried mantis shrimp ended up seizing that opportunity first.

"You two are in the hide trade, right? Are your hides soaked and tanned in Chang water?" Chen Wuji placed the sliced beef on a plate and asked casually.

"All of it is done there; Chang water is relatively hard and alkaline, suitable for tanning hides, while water elsewhere won't work." Han Chunshen explained openly, laughing: "Chen Xiaoyou asks this because you want to try making some yourself?"

"Not at all." Chen Wuji cracked two eggs into the beef, stirring as he said: "I have a more convenient method that makes hides softer and smoother; I wonder if you two would be interested in collaborating?"

"What method?" Han Chunshen asked offhand.

Chen Wuji gave a somewhat mysterious smile: "This method could be worth a fortune; if Shopkeeper Han is sure to cooperate with me, I'll tell you later. If I say it now, it wouldn't be proper."

"Worth a fortune? What method could command such an outrageous price? You'd have to see if I and Old Han can afford it anyway—Old Han's wealth is a bit greater than mine, but together we probably don't have a fortune; are you trying to bleed us dry?" Xiao Yuji teased with a laugh.

Chen Wuji calmly said: "It's fine for now; we can settle it later."

"My method can at least triple the efficiency of hide tanning—at the very least. You know how many days you normally need to process hides; the time saved is all money."

"Triple?!" Xiao Yuji suddenly became agitated.

She knew exactly what that figure entailed.

If hide tanning speed could be tripled, the nobles waiting for her cloaks wouldn't need to waste time; with sufficient hide supply, she could even sell her cloaks in the capital.

Han Chunshen's reaction was relatively calm, but his expression gradually grew solemn.

"Don't be startled yet; saving time is just one part. More importantly, using my method, the finished garments have softer, shinier fur and more vivid colors." Chen Wuji said.