Ancient Foodie Survival Guide Chapter 69
Translated by Serena Love
Edited by Azure
Chapter 69: Cold Pig Ears
Jiang Shuyao asked someone to bring a bench and put it under the big tree. The few people from the first branch sat down under the tree's shade in the courtyard and happily ate fried skewers.
Who knows what kind of magic was in the third branch's courtyard. After they got here, the fatigue in the whole body was gone. Eating fried skewers and drinking refreshing herbal tea quenched their thirst, and the exhaustion from working the entire day had disappeared.
After Xie Zhao had eaten his fried ham, he was unwilling and wanted another one, but Jiang Shuyao mercilessly refused.
He pulled on the hem of Jiang Shuyao's skirt and exclaimed skillfully, "Third aunt, just give me another one. You are the best. You are a first-class beauty. When a fish sees you, it sinks to the bottom, and when a goose sees you, it descends on the sandbank. Most beautiful in the whole country, your face is beautiful, and your appearance is beautiful..."
Jiang Shuyao quickly covered his mouth. She was so embarrassed that she wanted to burrow herself into the ground.
Xie Yao also ran over and pulled Jiang Shuyao on the other side of his sleeve. He was about to praise her, but Jiang Shuyao hurriedly went to cover his mouth as well.
After Xie Zhao was released, he looked at Jiang Shuyao blankly. He blinked and only reacted after a long while, "The third aunt said that nice praises would be rewarded, so why not let me praise... I understand! Is third aunt shy?"
Jiang Shuyao's childish behavior of teasing children was exposed. She blushed as if she had been scalded and smiled awkwardly at Xu-shi and the other onlookers.
Zhou-shi was the first to laugh out loud, and then everyone laughed. Even the always-stern Xie Li cocked his mouth.
Zhou-shi has been with Jiang Shuyao for a long time. After letting go of her suffocation, she had regained her habit when she lived on the frontier. She carelessly hugged Jiang Shuyao's shoulders and smiled, "Sister, I didn't expect you to be like this before. You like to hear compliments! That's it, how about I change my tricks and praise you every day?"
Xu-shi did not let the opportunity fall and said gently, "My younger sister-in-law is really childlike. It seems that my mouth used to be too strict. Although I have many praises in my heart, I said too little."
Zhou-shi arm still hugged Jiang Shuyao tightly. She swept his eyes over and raised her eyebrows at Xu-shi's smile.
Xu-shi's gaze fell on the two’s intimate posture, and the fake smile on her face deepened.
Xie Ye and Xie Hao turned their heads together, turned their gazes to Zhou-shi's body, then turned back to their mother, and then turned to Jiang Shuyao.
What is this situation......
They finally turned their eyes to Xie Li. This man, who was supposed to be in a crisis, was still not paying attention and was busy chewing the skewers.
The two are speechless. Ouch, dad, don't eat anymore! What's going on!
At this moment, Xie Xun, the host of the third branch, who was also in crisis, finally rushed back.
As soon as he entered the yard, he was shocked by so many people sitting in his place.
Compared to the last gathering, this time his brother and two eldest nephews were also in attendance. The entire family sat together under the shade of the tree, filling the air with laughter and conversation. The scene was picturesque, exuding a sense of harmony and warmth, with a leisurely atmosphere that felt cozy and inviting.
Xie Xun was stunned, hesitantly thinking about the route he had just taken.
This is the third branch's courtyard, not the first branch, right?
So what's the matter with the first branch dragging their whole family to my courtyard to sit in rows?!
When he took a closer look, he found that Zhou-shi's heroic shoulders caressed his wife, and two small carrot heads were tugging at the corners of her clothes. This picture... was really irritating.
Xie Xun took a deep breath and stepped into the courtyard silently. Everyone in the yard felt something was wrong by instinct and suddenly calmed down.
As soon as they turned around, they saw Xie Xun, standing tall and mighty in his official uniform at the courtyard gate, with a cold face. His expression was indifferent and majestic.
He greeted everyone sitting in rows one by one, and whoever he named felt a chill in their back.
At last, it was Jiang Shuyao's turn, but he only turned his face and didn't look at her. He closed his eyes and said in a low voice, "I'm going to change clothes."
Jiang Shuyao looked at Xie Xun's back suspiciously and touched her chin. Something is weird? Why does she sense that Xie Xun feels wronged?
Xu-shi looked at Xie Xun's behavior and couldn't help but cover her face and laugh.
Xie Li turned his head to look at her confused, "Madam, what are you laughing at?"
Xu-shi shook her head, "It's okay. You can continue to eat. Let's sit here for a while."
When Xie Xun returned after changing his clothes, Jiang Shuyao was no longer leaning on Zhou-shi. The maids were spinning around the long table, removed the stove and pot, wiped the table, brought the white rice porridge that was cooling in the small kitchen, put the bowls and spoons, etc. These actions successfully separated Zhou-shi and Jiang Shuyao.
Xie Xun's face suddenly became less cold, but seeing the group of people sitting together eating and drinking and joking happily, he felt out of place. He deliberately went around and sat down on a chair in the distance.
Xie Zhao excitedly ran to the long table and stood on tiptoes to look at the table, "What kind of porridge is this?"
Zhou-shi came over and took a look, "It's just plain rice porridge."
"Well, okay. But I really want to eat the preserved egg and lean meat porridge from last time. Third aunt, you make it for me next time, okay?"
"Okay, I'll make it for you when you come next time."
You said this, and I said that. It was cheerful and lively, just like they were a family.
Xie Xun sat on a chair in the distance, thinking gloomily: So when he was away, they got along like this.
It's a good thing that my wife is popular. Xie Xun repeated this sentence silently in his heart.
He was sitting in the distance with his head drooped. His presence was extremely low.
"What are you thinking about?"
Suddenly Jiang Shuyao's voice came from above, and Xie Xun looked up, not knowing when Jiang Shuyao walked to his side.
This place, furnished with two chairs and a recliner, was where she usually settled in for the night. Xie Xun occupied one of the chairs, prompting her to take a seat in the one beside him. Suddenly feeling a bit cramped, he glanced at Jiang Shuyao and then at the group chatting and laughing in the distance. "Aren't you going over there with them?" he asked.
Jiang Shuyao was taken aback by his question and didn’t quite understand his meaning. “What?” she replied.
Xie Xun, unsure how to respond, simply shook his head and fell silent.
After a moment, Jiang Shuyao asked, “Aren’t you going to have dinner?” She knew he usually devoured his meals when he returned home.
Xie Xun wanted to shake his head, but he was really hungry. He pursed his mouth and said with a grumpy manner, "Is there still dinner? Didn't they eat it all up?"
"Well, that's just the snack I tried to make in the afternoon."
When Xie Xun heard her words, he blurted out, “Can’t I just try it myself? Why do you want other people to give it a shot?”
Jiang Shuyao replied firmly, “No, you can’t do it by yourself.” She knew that Xie Xun was not a picky eater, but his preferences couldn’t be taken as representative of the masses.
At her response, Xie Xun glanced up at her in silence. Her eyes were beautiful, with soft, narrow lines and slightly raised outer corners. Her thick eyelashes framed clear, expressive eyes.
They all talked and flirted, but when he looked up at the people in the distance, there was an unspeakable grudge.
Jiang Shuyao was a little guilty inexplicably and said softly, "I have made porridge for dinner. Do you want some?"
Xie Xun still refused to look up, "I don't like to drink white porridge. I like the heavier taste." For example, just like what they ate.
Jiang Shuyao couldn't understand what he meant and only said, "There are also cold dishes. It's good to eat with porridge."
"They are all here. Do you even have something for me?" Xie Xun said in a low voice. Now Jiang Shuyao finally understood that he was complaining.
She pursed her mouth and controlled her laugh, "Yes, of course. Would you like to eat first?"
Xie Xun raised his head, not looking at Jiang Shuyao, and nodded awkwardly, "Yeah."
"Also, I made cold dishes according to your taste."
Now Xie Xun finally recovered and turned to look at her, "Okay."
Jiang Shuyao walked to the small kitchen, and Xie Xun followed closely. It seemed that he habitually followed her like this.
Xu-shi looked at it from a distance. She smiled again, and said to everyone, "Let's go, we should also go back for dinner. Don't disturb third brother and third sister-in-law."
Xie Li was still a little bit sad about the first half of the sentence. But hearing the next sentence, he immediately stood up, "That's right!" His third brother and sister-in-law were still warming up to each other; the couple had a long way to go, so they couldn't be here and add chaos.
After a group of people walked back and forth, Xie Xun, in the small kitchen, was still worried about not having enough side dishes.
Today, Jiang Shuyao made cold pork ears.
Pork ears were boiled with salt, star anise, ginger, and other ingredients to get rid of the fishy smell. The ears were cooked carefully until it was soft without losing the crispness.
She took the pig's ears and cut them on the chopping board after letting them cool. She placed the kitchen knife at an angle to accurately slice the pig's ears into thin slices.
Xie Xun looked at the pig's ears on the chopping board without missing a beat.
Jiang Shuyao seemed to be obsessed with cooking with weird parts.
But this was just right, he was not a picky eater, but others wouldn’t like it.
Jiang Shuyao's knife skills were impressive. The slices she made were incredibly thin, almost translucent, shimmering with a glossy sheen. She arranged them in a circular pattern, creating sharp peaks that elegantly slanted on the plate.
Next, she added a delicate mix of garlic, salt, sugar, pepper, simmered soy sauce, and vinegar. The final touch was a drizzle of vibrant red oil, which she mixed in thoroughly.
The essence of cold dishes lies in that red oil, offering a spicy kick without being overwhelming. Although the dish appeared bright and fiery, its flavor was more fragrant than hot, enticing the senses with every bite.
The red oil was crystal clear and vibrant, with sesame seeds suspended within it like tiny jewels. As Jiang Shuyao poured a spoonful over the center of the pig's ears, it slowly trickled down, coating the tender, white slices with an orange-red hue. The oil clung to the ears, while the soy sauce flowed down to the bottom of the plate, separating into distinct layers.
The combination was deliberate: the spicy oil infused the dish with its aromatic flavor, while the soy sauce provided a salty, umami depth. To fully appreciate this harmony of tastes, one had to pick up the pig's ears, dip them into the savory soy sauce at the bottom of the plate, and then coat them in the fragrant, spicy oil.
Jiang Shuyao added the final touches, sprinkling chopped peanuts and green onions in the center of the dish. The centerpiece was now complete, a large and beautiful arrangement that invited all to partake.
"Okay, you can take it out," Jiang Shuyao said, but her words were barely out before she caught Xie Xun's complaining gaze. She swiftly changed her mind, "Try it first."
Xie Xun's eyebrows suddenly stretched out when he heard this, and he asked, "This is the first time you make it, right?"
"Yes."
"Then I am the first person to eat this?"
"Of course."
Xie Xun's mouth curled up after hearing her affirmative answer. The excitement and triumph were palpable as he eagerly picked up the chopsticks and grasped a piece of the pig's ear.
He dipped the ear into the vibrant red oil, and as he lifted it out, the oil continued to slide down the surface, leaving a trail of color behind. The inside of the ear remained a tender white, while the outside took on a light reddish hue.
The pig's ear was now adorned with a delightful array of toppings: the bright red oil glistened with suspended white sesame seeds; crunchy chopped peanuts added texture; chopped green onions provided a pop of freshness; and a rich, savory soy sauce had caramelized on the surface, mingling with the oil. The combination was a symphony of colors and aromas, with the sweet and spicy fragrance of the oil wafting up, teasing the senses.
The tendons of the pig ears offered a delightful crunch, their crisp texture contrasting beautifully with the soft, tender flesh. While the ears were more resilient than ordinary meat, their gelatinous quality contributed to an exquisite mouthfeel, and the meat exuded a rich, mellow fragrance.
The red oil was a revelation—aromatic, smooth, and lingering on the palate. The essence of chili was elevated within the oil, delivering a depth of flavor that far surpassed mere spiciness. Meanwhile, the soy sauce added a savory saltiness, complemented by a subtle sweetness that lingered beneath the surface, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.
Chilled, the pig ears presented a perfect balance of smoothness, crispness, and tenderness, with a hint of acidity brightening the flavors. The meat was indulgently rich yet remarkably light, delivering an electrifying combination of numbness, spice, crispness, and fragrance. This refreshing cold dish was ideal for invigorating a lackluster summer appetite.
"I didn't expect pig ears to be so delicious." Xie Xun said in amazement, "It's not much worse than pig feet."
Jiang Shuyao smiled and said, "Do you want to eat trotters? I will make it for you next time."
Xie Xun was completely coaxed and nodded with a smile in his eyes.
The two walked out of the small kitchen one after the other. Xie Xun was inexplicably relieved to find that the people in the yard were already gone.
Jiang Shuyao put down the cold dishes and sat down with Xie Xun.
The crispy and fragrant cold pork ears paired beautifully with a bowl of warm, melting-in-the-mouth white rice porridge that had cooled slightly, offering a soothing relief from the heat. Despite being a spicy cold dish, it delivered a refreshingly comfortable experience on the palate.
Jiang Shuyao sighed, "It would have been better to eat with more company."
Xie Xun's heart that he just let go was anxious again, "I think just the two of us are pretty good."
"I like more people, especially when there are children. I feel even happier." Jiang Shuyao said.
At the mention of the word "children," Xie Xun froze. A vivid image of a large family gathering filled his mind, evoking a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. It was as if he had been choked by porridge, and he suddenly broke into a fit of coughs that left his face flushed crimson.
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