Ancient Foodie Survival Guide Chapter 56

Translated by Serena Love

Edited by Azure


Chapter 56: Roast Duck


Jiang Shuyao walked over to put down the cake and said awkwardly, "Eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law."

Zhou-shi did not wait until Jiang Shuyao asked why she had chosen to come to the bamboo courtyard and join them. She said, "I think I am idle anyway. Since you sincerely invited me, I came." Even though she said this, she regretted it in her heart. She shouldn't have refused so quickly and awkwardly earlier.

She said this to Jiang Shuyao, but her sight was on Xu-shi's face, and she said the four words "you sincerely invited me" with a hard meaning.

Xu-shi smiled softly when she heard her words and took Jiang Shuyao's hand while saying, "I rushed to finish my affairs and rushed over here. After all, you said more people would be more lively."

Her attitude was extremely gentle and considerate and made Jiang Shuyao move her eyes.

Hiss--

Zhou-shi took a deep breath. She made a mistake and was blackened by Xu-shi's gentle appearance. She really wanted to slap her big mouth. Why did she have to be so stiff?

Jiang Shuyao didn't care about her awkwardness and greeted the twins one by one while pushing the cake in front of them.

"This is the birthday cake. Let's cut it together." Jiang Shuyao didn't insert any candles on the cake. She was worried that there might be a superstition that makes it unlucky for them. "Before cutting, remember to close your eyes and make a wish."

While Xu-shi and Zhou-shi were still thinking about this weird custom, Xie Zhao had already rushed to Jiang Shuyao excitedly, "Can my wish come true?"

Jiang Shuyao gave an "Uh" and said, "It is good just to wish sincerely, but today is your birthday, God might think of you."

Xie Zhao nodded hurriedly, "Good, good." Then he turned to Xie Yao, "Fourth brother, let's make a wish together."

Xie Yao nodded, closing his eyes and meditating on his wish.

Xie Zhao put his hands together and looked up at the sky, muttering a long string of words with his eyes closed.

"Okay, I'm done. I hope to spend my birthday with my third aunt every year in the future." He opened his eyes and repeated his wish to Jiang Shuyao loudly.

Jiang Shuyao was stunned. One was because he was not supposed to tell people his wish, and the other was because his wish was beyond her expectations.

Xie Yao whispered at this time, "Also with mother and second aunt."

After he finished speaking, he stared at Jiang Shuyao with bright eyes, while expecting her to answer.

The three adults present were all melted because of these adorable buns.

Jiang Shuyao's heart was sour and soft, and she couldn't laugh or cry, "Okay. But when you grow up, you probably won't want us anymore."

Xie Zhao got her promise. He bounced back on his seat and retorted with joy, "No way."

Jiang Shuyao was amused by his childish remarks and asked them to cut the cake quickly.

Although there were only five people present, there was a very lively and warm feeling. Zhou-shi hadn't experienced this feeling for so long, and she twisted uncomfortably in her seat.

She looked up at Xu-shi and found that she had taken off her unchanging gentle and dignified mask on her face. Instead, she showed grateful eyes and a natural smile.

Zhou-shi had been with her for several years, and it was the first time that she saw a real feeling on her. Suddenly, she felt a little bit emotional.

She looked at Jiang Shuyao, who happened to place a piece of cake on her plate.

"Second sister-in-law, try it. This is your first time trying my cake." She smiled.

Her smile was as warm as the warm winter sun, Zhou-shi's eyes were sour in no time, and she blinked away the faint dampness.

"Sister-in-law." Jiang Shuyao continued to divide the cake for Xu-shi.

"Thank you." Xu-shi said, for the first time, she said something from her heart, "I ate the cake you made last time, and I am still thinking about it." After saying it, she was very happy. That's right. She ate the dessert made by Jiang Shuyao first.

Zhou-shi, who was deeply moved by the kindness, moved her ears and pretended to inadvertently say, "You guys were not so familiar before you were given food."

"I was not quite familiar back then. I'm just cheeky, that's it." She glanced at Jiang Shuyao, and gently added, "My younger sister-in-law is kind and easy to get along with."

Zhou-shi and Xu-shi's sight met in the air, and their eyes narrowed slightly.

"Yeah, why would she be willing to cook for me and eat lunch with me? I always feel guilty and uneasy in my heart, and I don't deserve her care."

Xu-shi raised half of her eyebrows and similarly squinted her eyes slightly, as if it's only deepening the smile on her face.

Jiang Shuyao, who had divided everyone's cakes, looked up and found that the atmosphere was weird.

She looked at the two people who were looking at each other. Their eyes were in contact, and there was a faint electric spark splashing around.

"Cough." She hurriedly lowered her head and ate the cake obediently like the twins.

They didn't eat much while sitting and were half full after eating the cake.

Xie Zhao wanted to eat again, but Jiang Shuyao stopped him, "There is still something delicious. Keep some space in your stomach."

Xie Zhao immediately became energetic, "What is delicious?! Have we eaten it before?"

"Of course not." Jiang Shuyao stood up, "I'll go and see if it's done."

As soon as she left, Xie Zhao hurried to catch up with her. Xie Yao slowed down for a while but followed as well, leaving Xu-shi and Zhou-shi.

Zhou-shi couldn't stand it anymore, so she stood up on her crutches and followed limpingly.

Seeing this, Xu-shi also ran after them.

As a result, four people stood in a row, watching Jiang Shuyao direct the cook in roasting the duck.

The door of the vaulted oven was opened, and fruitwood was carefully placed beneath to fuel the roast. The duck, suspended by an iron hook, was hung over the open flame. The fruitwood, renowned for its smokeless nature, imparted intense heat from the bottom, perfect for the delicate process. 

Hung from an iron hook, the duck was to be turned frequently by the cook to ensure an even roast. This meticulous process, demanding both patience and skill, had prompted Jiang Shuyao to call upon a seasoned cooking aunt for assistance.

The fruitwood blazed brightly, casting an orange-red glow inside the oven, while the duck skin gleamed with a rich sheen. The duck was plump and tender, its internal fat thick and abundant. As it roasted over the open flame, the fat began to melt, sizzling and dripping onto the fire, creating a chorus of crackles. The air was thick with the irresistible aroma of roasted meat. 

"It's almost done," Jiang Shuyao remarked.  

The cook nodded, grasped the pole, and carefully lifted the duck from the oven, placing it onto the large wooden board beside it.

The freshly roasted duck, a rich purplish-red, gleamed with a glossy sheen, its skin resembling a delicate layer of honey. Jiang Shuyao gestured for the maid to bring the side dishes. With the cook's assistance, she took a three-pronged fork, pressed the duck, and began carving with a steady hand.

Her technique was swift and precise, transforming the succulent, glossy roast duck into perfectly sliced portions, neatly arranged on a pristine white porcelain plate. The meat was tender, the thin, orange-red skin clinging tightly to the white flesh beneath. The slices, rich with their glossy, reddish hue, appeared almost sculpted, making one want to reach out and taste them at a mere glance.

After Jiang Shuyao sliced ​​the roast duck, everyone returned to the table. The maids successively put on side dishes: thin and soft lotus leaf buns, thinly sliced green onion, thick sweet hoisin sauce in a small porcelain bowl, cucumber strips, carrot sticks, and so on.

After the plate was set, the maid came to serve them to clean their hands again. Zhou-shi and Xu-shi was puzzled. Jiang Shuyao explained, "This dish must be eaten with your hands."

After everyone cleaned their hands, Xie Zhao couldn't wait anymore and drooled at the roast duck, "Can we eat it?"

"Of course."

As soon as Jiang Shuyao finished speaking, he reached out and took a piece of roast duck into his mouth.

The skin of roast duck is fragrant and crispy, but the meat is tender and moist. The fat under the duck's skin is thick and roasted until it's tender and full. It melts in the mouth when their teeth touch it, and the duck fat splashes all over. The meat has a rich and long mellow aroma.

The smaller piece is fat, thin, and skinny. Put it in your mouth without chewing or extra dipping materials. Slowly taste and chew it to let the delicious duck taste spread in your mouth, making it mellow and moist. The scent of oil permeates every inch of their lips and teeth. The plump meat carries a light fruity fragrance.

Jiang Shuyao smiled and said, "It will be greasy to eat like this. You have to wrap it in lotus leaf buns."

She picked up a lotus leaf bun, soft and thin from the baking, its delicate aroma wafting through the air. After spreading a layer of sweet hoisin sauce, she placed three or four slices of duck meat inside, adding a few vegetables before rolling the bun. Despite its thin crust, it struggled to fully encase the bulging duck within.

Xie Zhao followed suit, his bun slightly larger. He opened his mouth wide to take it all in, pressing the end of the lotus leaf roll as he slowly pushed it into his mouth, savoring each bite as he chewed.

The sweet hoisin sauce enhanced the flavor and makes the roast duck more salty and sweet. After biting into the soft crust, the crispy outer skin, the moist and tender roast duck inside, and the sweet and crisp green onion constitute a rich taste. The mellow and plump oily aroma was mixed with fresh and sweet green onions.

"It's delicious." He covered his mouth and praised vaguely.

Xu-shi, who disliked oily food and meat, had initially dismissed Xie Zhao's enthusiasm as a mere gluttonous exaggeration. However, after rolling a portion for herself and tasting it, she was astonished by how delicious the meat could be.

The duck skin was perfectly crispy and tender, rich yet not greasy. The delicate bun, the savory sauce, and the fresh onion all complemented the crispy, mellow roast duck in harmony.

When roasting duck over an open flame, it's essential to fill the duck's cavity with water. As the fire roasted the duck, the steam from the water inflates the cavity, preserving moisture and preventing the meat from becoming dry and tough. This technique ensured that the duck remained tender and plump.

She rolled little duck meat and was amazed by the deliciousness of the duck meat, not to mention the others who have rolled several pieces of duck meat and stuffed them in her mouth.

Zhou-shi was no better than Xu-shi. After trying one bite of roast duck, she completely put aside the correct eating posture. Anyway, she got used to it and didn't care about it so much.

She and Xie Zhao gobbled up together, wishing to stuff six or seven slices of roast duck into one big pancake.

The process of filling the duck cavity with water locked the tenderness and juice of the duck meat and used steam to open the duck skin and turn it very thin. When the duck is roasted on an open flame, the duck oil will overflow, and the duck skin will be crispy and fragrant. This is the essence of roast duck.

Xie Yao loved duck skin very much and specialized in roast duck slices with little duck meat. The duck skin was crispy, and the oil was completely soaked into the thin duck skin. It is crispy and thin but with soft tenacity. Every bite could get enough oil from the thin skin.

The two little guys and Zhou-shi's mouth were greasy, and even the restrained Xu-shi couldn't hold back.

After eating, none of them want to move. So they simply rested in the bamboo courtyard while sitting next to each other to watch the sunset.

The setting sun is sinking. The sky is full of magnificent and gorgeous colors. Orange, red, and purple are blending into each other, sprinkling a warm, soft glow. Everything is covered with a soft halo.

Xu-shi was sitting on Jiang Shuyao's right side, and the two children quietly leaned on them to admire the sunset. She was infected by the leisurely pace and turned her head to Jiang Shuyao gently and said, "Sister, thank you."

Jiang Shuyao retracted her gaze which was appreciating the scenery, and turned to look puzzled at her.

"Ah Zhao and Ah Yao are very happy today. I have never done so much on their birthdays before." She rubbed the child's head, hesitated, and said what was in her heart, "I am also very happy, thank you."

Looking at Xu-shi's grateful expression, Jiang Shuyao felt soft and moved, "Sister-in-law..."

Before she had time to say anything, Zhou-shi suddenly opened her mouth and said, "Me too. It is the first time since I got married to the Xie family that I realized that dinner could be so warm. I really want the sun to set a little bit slower."

Jiang Shuyao felt sour and put her hand on the back of Zhou-shi's hand.

Zhou-shi smiled at her with a soft expression. No longer covering her lonely self, she solemnly said, "Thank you."

Jiang Shuyao quickly said no, and looked at her pityingly.

The baffled Xu-shi looked stiff behind her. Her eyes fell on Zhou-shi's face like a torch, as if saying, "You're just pretending, continue to pretend."

The corner of Zhou-shi's mouth, who had grabbed Jiang Shuyao's attention, raised a triumphant smile. Her eyesight passed Jiang Shuyao and fell on Xu-shi's face. I'm just pretending. What can you do to me?

The two clashed eyes in the air, and Jiang Shuyao, who was completely blindsided, felt inexplicably cold behind her.

The smell of roast duck lasted for a long time. When Xie Xun stepped into the courtyard expectantly after smelling it, he was taken aback.

The sun's glow is beautiful, and the scenery in the courtyard is dyed with warm light. Jiang Shuyao sits in the middle, with cute children lying on her knees. The beauty on one side is gorgeous, and the beauty on the other side is gentle and generous.

He blinked, silently exited the gate, and looked up at the courtyard's name.

He was right. This is the bamboo courtyard.

What's the matter with this picture of "Beautiful wife and concubines by the side, and the young children around the knee???"

He stepped into the courtyard and broke the quietness.

Xu-shi's and Zhou-shi's eyes were still fighting, and suddenly they felt an unexpected guest break-in. They cast their eyes at the same time.

Xie Xun is dressed in bright official gowns, tall and straight, elegant and handsome. When he stepped on the rays of sunlight, the piles of stones are like jade, and the pine trees are like an arrangement of emeralds. The beauty is unique in the world, and there is not a second one like him.

They still have a smile on their faces, but their eyes are a bit sharper than before.

What are you doing to come back now? It's still early!

Xie Xun didn't realize it and respectfully said with the same smile, "Eldest sister-in-law, second-sister-in-law." There seemed to be nothing wrong with his words, but Zhou-shi and Xu-shi felt his displeasure.

"Third brother." The two nodded, their posture unyielding, giving no hint that they planned to leave.

The air grew still.

Jiang Shuyao, who was still immersed in the peaceful atmosphere, suddenly shuddered.

Here comes again, that kind of weird Shura field is coming again. What is going on with this inexplicable feeling!

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Peking Duck https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnJ3abXjgME 

 
 
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Ancient Foodie Survival Guide Chapter 57

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Ancient Foodie Survival Guide Chapter 55