Ancient Foodie Survival Guide Chapter 3
Tled by Serena Love
Edited by Mia and
Chapter 3: Caramel Popcorn
When several people were bowing their heads to eat, a small child rushed in through the open door, stared intently at Jiang Shuyao and called out sweetly, "Third Aunt!"
Jiang Shuyao looked up, facing a pair of large black eyes.
The first branch of the family had twin boys, one chubby and one skinny. While one was lively and extroverted, the other was quiet and introverted.
The chubby boy pulled Jiang Shuyao's sleeves while the skinny boy hid behind his brother and peered at Jiang Shuyao.
Jiang Shuyao didn’t know their names, so she rubbed the little fatty's round head and said, "It's you."
The little fatty laughed comfortably, as if he had known her for a long time, showing a row of white teeth, "Yes, it's time for Fourth Brother to have his medicinal meal."
It turns out that the soup that was being simmered was for this little skinny boy.
After the little fatty finished speaking, he immediately asked what he was most interested in, "Third Aunt, what are you eating? It smells so delicious."
There were a few pieces of thick fried egg left, and they weren't cold yet. Jiang Shuyao took a piece and handed it to the little fatty, asking "Do you want to try it?"
The thick fried egg had a beautiful color. The golden color was mixed with orange-red chopped carrot and green onion, which looked enticing to the children.
The little fatty took a large bite.
He had never tasted such a flavorful dish before.
Having tasted such a delicious dish, he felt like his life was complete and said gleefully, "It's delicious, it's delicious! Can you give me another one?"
Jiang Shuyao gave him another piece.
The little fatty ate happily but didn't forget about his little brother. He turned towards the little thin boy behind him and asked, "Fourth Brother, do you want to try too?"
The little thin boy raised his eyes timidly and looked at Jiang Shuyao, his clear black eyes full of curiosity as he nodded.
Jiang Shuyao's heart melted immediately and she bent down to feed him. He took a small bite like a little kitten and chewed slowly, which made Jiang Shuyao a little nervous.
"Is it delicious?" The little fatty beside him asked.
The little skinny boy nodded slowly and Jiang Shuyao let out a sigh of relief.
The little fatty explained about themselves, "Fourth Brother likes sweets, possibly due to him drinking too much bitter medicine all year around. He has a bad appetite and only eats small amounts, so he is much skinnier than me."
The maids cleaned up the dishes while the twins' maids checked the medicinal meal on the stove. The maids found that it was still not ready, so they stood aside to wait.
Jiang Shuyao thought that since the First Madam, Xu-shi, was in charge of the house, she should go to the first branch later to talk to her about having a small kitchen, so she stayed in the main kitchen and waited for the medicinal meal with the boys.
Seeing the little chubby boy, she suddenly thought of a quick and easy snack. It wasn’t much trouble for her, as she was idle anyways.
Jiang Shuyao took a sun-dried corn on the cob from a corner of the kitchen, peeled the kernels, threw it into the pot, and covered the pot. Soon, the pot made a muffled sound. She set up another clean iron pot and poured oil and sugar into it. She ordered the kitchen maid to make a medium-high fire. The sugar melted and changed color quickly, gradually turning brown.
She could use chopsticks to pull some stringed caramel, so it was ready.
The little fatty leaned in curiously, and his maid came forward and dragged him away, fearing that the iron pan would explode.
She was not the only one who was scared. Everyone present had moved away in fear.
Although Jiang Shuyao had just demonstrated her culinary skills, she was still an unreliable person in the eyes of her servants.
The iron pot was heavy, so Jiang Shuyao shook the pot in a circular motion to ensure that the corn kernels would be evenly heated and coated with caramel.
The crackling sound diminished.
After a while, there was basically no sound of corn popping anymore. Jiang Shuyao took the iron pot away from the stove.
She opened the lid under the skeptical eyes of the crowd.
Most of the corn kernels were popped and the white popcorns were wrapped in crystal clear caramel icing, which looked sweet and delicious.
Jiang Shuyao took one and tasted it. The caramel icing had not cooled yet and the outer skin was not crisp enough, but it was sweet enough. It tasted much better than she had expected.
With the lid of the pot open, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen.
Seeing that, she picked up one popcorn and tasted it. The little fatty couldn't take it anymore, broke free from the maid’s grasp and ran towards Jiang Shuyao. He asked curiously, "How is it? Is it delicious?"
Jiang Shuyao handily fed him a piece. The two had gotten acquainted easily due to his cheerful personality. They had only met today, but they were already like siblings who had known each other for a long time.
The little fatty ate popcorn. The outer sugar coating was now a little cooler, giving the popcorn a slightly crisp taste when biting it.
The popcorn was soft and sweet. The rich sweetness of caramel didn't cover up the aroma of the corn itself. It was sweet but not overwhelmingly so. The slightly bitter fragrance of the caramel somewhat neutralized the sweetness.
"Mmm!" The little fatty’s eyes widened. He loved it more for the novelty than the taste, "Delicious!"
He beckoned to his brother, wanting to share the delicacy with him.
Jiang Shuyao took a large bowl, poured all the popcorn in and handed it to the little thin boy. He gave her a timid glance but was unable to resist the temptation towards such a delicacy and took the bowl.
Coincidentally, the medicinal food was ready, so Jiang Shuyao grabbed the little fatty's hand and said gently, "Let's go, you can eat it as we walk."
The group of people walked towards the main house.
The thin boy had a small appetite, but he kept putting popcorn in his mouth and eating it with relish. By the time they reached the main house, he had already eaten half of the popcorn.
The yard was lively, with a row of stewards and nannies standing in front of the house. On the desk of the first madam, Xu-shi, the household's account books were spread out.
Seeing this situation, Jiang Shuyao thought it was better to not disturb Xu-shi. She wanted to leave and find her another time, but Xu-shi stopped her.
"Third Sister-in-law." Xu-shi closed an account book with an eager smile on her face. She stood up and greeted Jiang Shuyao enthusiastically.
She waved her hand, dispersing her servants, and ordered tea and snacks. Her warm hospitality made Jiang Shuyao feel overwhelmed.
Xu-shi was a dozen years older than Jiang Shuyao, but she treated Jiang Shuyao as if she was a close little sister. Jiang Shuyao even began to wonder if this was the first conversation between the two.
"First Sister-in-law, if you are busy, I will come later." Jiang Shuyao said.
"You just came so stay for a bit," Xu-shi smiled and shook her head, holding Jiang Shuyao's hand with enthusiasm and leading her to a seat. She asked, "Is there a reason why the Third Sister-in-law is looking for me?"
Xu-shi had a kind and calm look, but internally, she was wondering about the purpose of Jiang Shuyao's visit. Why was Jiang Shuyao running to her and not going to her mother-in-law or accompanying her husband on the first day of her marriage?
After a few thoughts, she thought of Jiang Shuyao's current situation and felt a little disdainful.
She guessed that Xie Xun was avoiding Jiang Shuyao and instead of crying in the house, she shamelessly came out. It seemed as if Jiang Shuyao really was as thick-skinned as the rumors said.
Jiang Shuyao didn't know of Xu-shi's real thoughts. She was initially a bit embarrassed, but she didn't expect that Xu-shi to be so enthusiastically hospitable, and those feelings dissipated. While she internally praised Xu-shi, she tasted the snack Xu-shi offered to her.
The mung bean cake was sweet and delicate and melted in her mouth. It was the perfect cake with tea.
After taking a few bites, she wiped her fingers clean and then remembered her reason for visiting.
"By the way, first sister-in-law, I came to discuss the small kitchen with you."
Xu-shi internally look down on Jiang Shuyao’s eating manners and when she heard her speak, she was startled and asked, "What?"
Jiang Shuyao thought Xu-shi was kind and generous and expressed her thoughts without any hesitation, "I think the third branch's small kitchen has always been empty and unused. Now I’m married, I want to clean up the small kitchen."
Xu-shi frowned slightly, but quickly regained her generous smile, "If you want to eat something, just tell the main kitchen to make it for you."
Once the small kitchen is cleaned up, manpower would have to be allocated, and monthly expenses could also be an issue. This matter wasn't simple.
Jiang Shuyao naturally didn't understand Xu-shi's concerns, "The main kitchen is too far away and it's inconvenient to go back and forth. I also like experimenting with food and it would be a hassle to do so in the main kitchen."
Xu-shi hadn't dealt with anyone like Jiang Shuyao, a woman who says out anything on her mind, before. Internally, she rolled her eyes. But on the outside, she maintained her gentle smile and replied, "This... might make Third Sister-in-law dissatisfied, but if you really want to open a small kitchen, the monthly expenses..."
She dragged her words out, hoping Jiang Shuyao would understand.
Jiang Shuyao, who was reaching a greedy hand toward the chestnut cakes, waved her hand dismissively, "It's okay, I have money." She didn't plan on accepting money from Xu-shi.
"Uh." Xu-shi's words got stuck in her throat.
A few years ago, the second branch opened a small kitchen. She and the Second Madam, Zhou-shi, fought back and forth several times. In the end, the Old Madam made a decision regarding small kitchens.
She thought that Jiang Shuyao must have also come to her to ask for money, but she didn't expect that Jiang Shuyao actually planned to pay for it herself.
Jiang Shuyao had a modern mindset, so she didn't actually think about spending other people's money on food and drink.
Seeing Xu-shi's utter astonishment, Jiang Shuyao suddenly became worried. After swallowing the chestnut cake, she turned toward and asked Bai Zhi, "Do I not have enough money?"
"To answer to madam, of course it is enough. It's just for a small kitchen so the expense isn't worth mentioning." Bai Zhi grew up observing Mrs. Xiangyang’s fight with her husband’s seven concubines. It can be said that she was a top student in the class of house fights. Naturally, she could see Xu-shi's contempt for Jiang Shuyao.
As a maid entrusted with important tasks, she was very familiar with the people in all the branches in Duke Xie's mansion.
Xu-shi's father was a well-known upright and capable minister. Xu-shi herself was also a well-known talented woman in Chang’an. She married Duke Xie's house based on these two reputations. However, what was the use of a good title? Compared to the wealthy Duke’s family, they are just a bunch of poor ghosts.
Xu-shi's smile stiffened when she heard Bai Zhi's words. After being married into Duke Xie's mansion, she can be described as conscientious and hardworking, but she was walking on thin ice. Fearing being looked down upon if she didn't do a good job, she strictly controlled the expenses for food and clothing and had never made an error. However, she has also been criticized for being petty.
Jiang Shuyao didn't think that it would be a good idea to ask for money from the household's fund, but... why was it so infuriating to hear?
Jiang Shuyao didn't see Xu-shi's stiff smile at all, and said cheerfully, "That's good! First sister-in-law, can you please introduce me to the steward and find me some skilled masons? I want to remodel the kitchen. In addition, I want to follow the mansion’s kitchen protocols to purchase vegetables, fruits, and raw materials. I’ll have to trouble you to ask the steward to discuss it with Bai Zhi."
Xu-shi nodded and asked the maid to call the steward.
Jiang Shuyao didn't understand these things, so while Bai Zhi was discussing with the steward, she got up and left.
She didn't expect things to go so smoothly.
When she was being sent off by Xu-shi, she sighed, grabbed Xu-shi’s sleeve and said sincerely, "Sister-in-law, you are so kind."
Who said that it would be difficult for sisters-in-law to get along with each other? She was doing well.
Xu-shi quietly pulled away her hand, smiled and said, "Sister-in-law is too polite."
Jiang Shuyao was still enthusiastic, "Then I will go first. I will often come to visit First Sister-in-law. Will First Sister-in-law mind?"
Xu-shi thought of her two plates of snacks that had been eaten by Jiang Shuyao, maintained her gentle smile and shook her head gently. She said "Not at all."
Jiang Shuyao smiled and left.
As she was walking, she suddenly turned around and waved, smiling brightly.
Xu-shi stood under the eaves and watched her, looking at Jiang Shuyao's bright and brilliant smiling face. The more she looked at Jiang Shuyao, the more pained she became.
Staring at the departing figure, Xu-shi noticed that two small dumplings suddenly emerged from the side, one chubby and the other slender, walking behind Jiang Shuyao.
She blinked and looked carefully. Aren't those two kids her twin sons? Why are they following Jiang Shuyao?
She looked at the maid questioningly, but the maid didn't know either, so she quickly ordered someone to follow them.
The two of them couldn't figure it out, and neither could Jiang Shuyao.
She looked at the two small dumplings next to her and asked, "Why are you following me?"
The little fatty tugged at her sleeve and said, "I want to play with Third Aunt."
Jiang Shuyao didn't know what she did that made the little fatty like her. Perhaps it was because… of her beautiful appearance? She wondered, rubbing her chin.
But the sleeve of her other hand was pulled, interrupting her thoughts.
She looked down to see the little thin boy saying,"I want sweets." His voice was very small, but his big eyes were lingering.
Jiang Shuyao was stunned for a while before remembering that the "sweets" that the little boy was mentioning should be the popcorn. "Did you finish that bowl just now?"
The little thin boy nodded.
"Well...then you should not eat more. Children can't digest it if they eat too much."Jiang Shuyao coaxed.
In fact, she didn't know much about these things. However, she still knew that children should eat less snacks to be healthy.
The little thin boy nodded aggrievedly and continued to walk towards the third branch's yard holding Jiang Shuyao's sleeve.
When they arrived in the yard, Jiang Shuyao had no time to supervise them, devoting herself to the renovation of the small kitchen.
She provided both descriptions and drawings for the craftsman to build a bread oven outside the small kitchen so that she could use it as a simple oven.
The two small children watched the excitement with relish, interested in making trouble.
In the end, a pair of cat ears were added to the top of the bread oven.
As the setting sun went down, Xie Xun returned home and stepped into the main courtyard as usual. It was only after seeing the busy maids in the corridor that he remembered he was married.
He originally planned to turn around and leave, but the maids greeted him one after another, causing Jiang Shuyao, who was eating dinner, to look at him.
It was awkward now. He didn't know whether to leave nor stay. While he was looking at Jiang Shuyao, a childish voice broke the awkward moment.
"Third Uncle!"
Xie Xun discovered that there were two small dumplings sitting opposite the long table in the house.
He sighed in relief. With these two little nephews, he didn't have to be worried about sitting with Jiang Shuyao alone.
While walking towards the main room, he asked them,"Ah Zhao, Ah Yao, are you here to find Third Uncle?"
He believed he already knew the answer because Ah Zhao (the little chubby boy) usually sticks to him. This time they should have come to find him, but it was a pity that he left the house to avoid Jiang Shuyao, so they could only find Jiang Shuyao.
Xie Xun was feeling guilty and helpless. He opened his arms to Xie Zhao, waiting for the little fatty to jump into his arms as usual and ask him to lift him up high.
... His arms were stiff after waiting for a few seconds.
Xie Zhao lightly glanced at him with his cheeks bulging, looking especially cute. After he swallowed the food in his mouth, he responded indifferently, "No."
Then he didn't care to say another word, and hurriedly stuffed food into his mouth.
Standing a dozen steps away from the main room, Xie Xun finally knew how it felt to be ignored for the first time in his life.
___
Footnotes:
The "-shi" behind the name, i.e. Xu-shi or Zhao-shi, refers to her family's name before she got married. Xu-shi means she was from Xu family, Zhao-shi means that she was from Zhao family. MC would be referred to as Jiang-shi by others. It is a common way of referring to a married woman.
