Ancient Foodie Survival Guide Chapter 70
Translated by Serena Love
Edited by Azure
Chapter 70: Street Food Market
After selecting the location, Jiang Shuyao took a trip to the street food market. Although it wasn't a prosperous area, it was situated in a hub of residents who were relatively comfortable financially, if not affluent.
Given the sense of satisfaction she'd derived from the restaurant's success, Lin-shi didn't hold back on expenses when it came to the street food market, adopting a strategy of making small investments in the hopes of quickly turning a profit.
However, both Lin-shi and Jiang Shuyao harbored concerns about the venture's sales and its overall feasibility as a market.
That night, Jiang Shuyao lay in bed, unable to drift off to sleep. Her clothes rustled softly against the sheets as she shifted position.
As a light sleeper, Xie Xun was easily roused by the sound, and his eyes snapped open. He must have been awake for a while, because he had gotten out of bed without making a sound and was now standing beside Jiang Shuyao, fanning her gently.
A soft breeze from his hand danced across her skin, and Jiang Shuyao's gaze wavered as she felt a sense of dizziness wash over her. Her eyes flickered up to Xie Xun's face, and she found herself meeting his quiet gaze.
Xie Xun felt her gaze and said, "It was really hot today, but it will be fine after a while. Tomorrow I will ask someone to put some ice basins in the corner of the room at night."
Jiang Shuyao laughed and suddenly felt less anxious, "I'm not sleeping, not because it's too hot. I'm just worried about the street food market."
Xie Xun stopped fanning, "What's the worry? Your craft is so good. The deep alley will not hide the fragrance of wine."
"It's the first time we are trying a food market, and the cost was not cheap."
Xie Xun started fanning her again with a gentle force, "Don't think about it now. Hurry up and go to bed. Tomorrow you will go over there and have a look. I will go over to accompany you when I'm done."
The gentle breeze felt refreshing against her skin, a soothing touch that seemed to reach her heart. Jiang Shuyao felt a wave of softness wash over her. She wanted to say something to Xie Xun but found herself at a loss for words.
“No need to fan anymore. I’m not hot,” she finally managed to say.
Xie Xun paused, concerned that she might feel cold, and reluctantly set the fan back down on the bedside.
In the dim light of the night, Jiang Shuyao gazed at his indistinct silhouette, unable to look away. With genuine emotion, she said, “Xie Boyuan, you’re really kind."
As he lay back down, Xie Xun chuckled at her words. Although he often wore a serious expression and seldom smiled, his laughter was a delightful sound—like spring water splashing against smooth stones—that made Jiang Shuyao's ears tingle.
Xie Xun's response was a low, enigmatic comment: "Then I have to work harder." The words hung in the air, veiled in ambiguity, like a joke or a confession. Jiang Shuyao's heart skipped a beat as she wondered what he really meant. Was it a lighthearted tease or a heartfelt admission? She felt a flutter in her chest as she pondered the possibility that he might be aware of her own inexplicable heartbeat.
Despite her racing thoughts, Jiang Shuyao's eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted off to sleep, her mind still whirling with questions and speculations.
The next afternoon, Jiang Shuyao ventured out to the street food market.
Lin-shi's belly was already beginning to show, but her spirits were much brighter than before. As soon as Jiang Shuyao stepped down from the carriage, she took Lin-shi's arm and led her inside, not bothering to let her catch her breath.
With an excited voice that echoed through the air, Lin-shi exclaimed, "Come and see! I have everything ready. Do you want to taste it? I’m worried that it won’t taste as good as what you cook."
Jiang Shuyao smiled reassuringly. “Why would it be bad? If you follow the recipe closely, it should turn out fine.”
In traditional Chinese cooking, measurements were often based on intuition—phrases like "a little," "just right," and "a large spoonful" were commonly used to describe seasoning amounts. However, Jiang Shuyao had taken the extra step of using measuring spoons and cups, much like the modern franchise kitchens. This way, every dish was prepared using precise amounts, ensuring consistency in flavor.
Lin-shi thought of this and smiled heartily, "That's also true."
Jiang Shuyao was not worried about the taste, but whether people could adapt to the street food market model in ancient times. She analyzed her worries one by one to Lin-shi, and the latter comforted her by saying, "What are you afraid of? It's not a big deal to lose some money. The Lin family can still afford this little cost."
By the time she arrived, the summer sky was still bright, but Lin-shi had ordered the steward to let the shops hang up the lanterns in advance, fearing that it would be too late.
Seeing her so confident, Jiang Shuyao felt even more pressured.
The staff hired by the Lin family were all swift and quick to work. The steward's instructions were passed on, and people immediately began to cook. After a while, the aroma drifted out.
Because the road closure and refurbishment of this street was very serious before, many people watched the excitement. So this afternoon, when the roadblock was removed, and the large-print sign boards were displayed, everyone knew that there was a series of shops here.
When they opened the restaurant at the wharf, it also relied on word of mouth and the smell of fragrance, so this time Lin-shi did not deliberately promote anything and was confident that the market could attract diners just by the taste.
But the street food market was so loud, people felt that the price was high at first glance, and they didn't dare to enter.
The aroma gradually drifted outwards, some spicy and fresh, which attracted people passing by on the street to probe their heads.
Everyone was hawking, but no one came in. The street food market seemed even more deserted under the envelope of various aromas.
Lin-shi was sitting on the second floor, holding a teacup and sipping tea at ease, looking not worried at all.
Jiang Shuyao was under a lot of pressure. She thought a little bit more than Lin-shi. In Lin-shi 's eyes, this was just a street selling novelty foods, but Jiang Shuyao knew that this was a collision between modern business models and the ancient food industry.
At this time, those seeking exciting meals typically opted to dine in restaurants. Though the prices were steep, the ambiance was upscale, providing a delightful experience. For a change of pace, many would choose affordable food stalls, where the meals might lack finesse but offered a satisfying fullness. However, the street food market was different; it focused solely on the allure of flavor, making it a more challenging venture.
As time went by, curious passersby began to filter in, drawn by the bustling scene. They noticed that the prices were higher than those at typical eateries, accompanied by intriguing names on the signboard. Despite the enticing aromas wafting through the air and tempting their appetites, no one was eager to make a purchase. There was a common hesitation among them; they feared that those who tried the food first might end up wasting their money if it failed to deliver.
Jiang Shuyao couldn't contain her restlessness any longer, so she descended from the second floor, her skirts flowing as she walked around the street food market. As she listened to the conversations of the passersby, she realized that they were indeed curious about the food, but hesitant to try it due to the prices. A plan began to form in her mind - she could persuade Lin-shi to offer free samples to the crowd, hoping to create a buzz with an opening day sale.
Her eagerness to share her passion for food had clouded her judgment, causing her to overlook the importance of marketing. Simply relying on the taste of the dishes wouldn't be enough to sustain the market in the long run.
Just as she was about to re-enter the building, a loud commotion caught her attention. Jiang Shuyao turned to see a procession of carriages coming to a stop on the street behind her.
The maid stepped down from the carriage, put down the horse stool, and opened the curtain. Then some ladies walked off the carriage.
When such a large group of people came, the street food market suddenly became lively.
"What's the matter? Where is this?" someone asked.
"Yes, aren't we going to the restaurant? When did people open a restaurant here?"
"It doesn't look like it, but it looks like a market."
"Hey, do you smell it? It smells good."
From the lead carriage, a vision of loveliness emerged, as if a goddess had floated down to earth. Despite the veil of her hat, her cold, refined beauty was palpable, captivating the attention of all who laid eyes on her. The women who had been chatting earlier fell silent, their curiosity getting the better of them as they asked, "Qingshu, what brings you to this place?"
Ge Qingshu lifted the edge of her veil, inhaling the aromas wafting from the street food market. Her voice was bright and cheerful as she replied, "I'm here to eat, of course." The ladies were taken aback by her response, hesitant to follow her lead.
Undeterred, Ge Qingshu took the initiative, stepping into the market ahead of the others. "The food here is even better than what you'd find at a restaurant," she declared, her confidence inspiring. As she walked, she suddenly recalled something and turned back to face the group. "By the way, you can all go to the restaurant if you'd like. I'll stay here." In her haste, she forgot to bid the others farewell, having already instructed the coachman to wait. As a result, the group of people who had been following her carriage found themselves unintentionally trailing behind her to this humble street food market.
Noble ladies often found themselves feeling bored at home, so they decided to form a poetry club. They would gather every three days, but the meetings sometimes turned into excuses for shopping or jewelry buying rather than reciting verses. After indulging in their playful outings, they would always plan to enjoy a meal together, usually at a nice restaurant.
Now, as Ge Qingshu stepped into the street food market, some of the ladies hesitated, uncertain about dining in such a small and informal setting. The allure of the vibrant market atmosphere and the delicious scents wafting through the air tugged at their curiosity, however, prompting a few to follow her despite their reservations.
When Jiang Shuyao saw Ge Qingshu walking towards her, and standing not far away, she wanted to say hello to her, but Ge Qingshu suddenly turned around.
She lifted her obstructive drapery hat and looked at the sign of the market behind her. Then she turned to look at the sign on the other side of the market and muttered, "Which one is better?"
After speaking, she paused for a few seconds and suddenly strode towards Jiang Shuyao.
It turns out that she didn't see her just now. Jiang Shuyao scratched her head and smiled warmly at Ge Qingshu, "You--"
As soon as she uttered a syllable, Ge Qingshu floated away from her.
She walked hurriedly, like a breeze, and muttered in a flat, high-cold tone, "It smells so good."
Jiang Shuyao: ...
After she floated away, a large wave of nice scented ladies passed by and chatted with her, "It smells even better now that we are closer in."
"Why is no one buying anything?"
"Look at that, what is Malatang? What are these grilled skewers?"
Jiang Shuyao tried hard to pass between them and caught up with Ge Qingshu, who was standing in front of the rice noodle shop.
"Why are you here?" she said.
Ge Qingshu returned to her senses, turned to look at Jiang Shuyao, and said in surprise, "Huh, are you here?" She saw that Jiang Shuyao was not wearing any veiled hat, so she lifted hers. "Last time you wrote that the street food market would open today."
Jiang Shuyao just wrote to her to gossip, but she never thought she would come over to join the fun.
Before she managed to thank her, her words were held back by Ge Qingshu's words, "The food sold in these stores smells delicious. You can introduce it to me quickly. I can't pick which one I want."
Jiang Shuyao took the lead in introducing the rice noodle shop before them. "This place specializes in rice noodles," she explained. "They're made from rice flour and have a texture similar to egg noodles—flexible, thin, smooth, and soft. They’re often served in soup, and some variations come mixed with simmered seeds, which are beautifully silky and flavorful."
Before she could finish her enthusiastic introduction, Ge Qingshu had made up her mind. "Then that's what we'll eat," she declared, stepping into the shop without hesitation.
Left momentarily behind, Jiang Shuyao struggled to keep up with Ge Qingshu, but just then, a wave of noble ladies surged forward, eager to follow in Ge Qingshu's wake. The waitstaff, unaccustomed to such a formidable scene, dared not lift their heads as they witnessed the rush of elegantly dressed women and their attendants. They quickly ushered the group to the second floor, where each table was surrounded by privacy screens, creating the cheap illusion of intimate dining rooms.
After everyone was seated, they took a look at the menu made of craft paper and fell into distress. There are so many types, which one is better?
Ge Qingshu didn't have any distressed and entangled expression on her face. She counted the number of people present and the types of noodles on the menu, then ordered, "Let's have one each."
There were many flavors of rice noodles. Jiangxi, Hunan, Yunguichuan, and other places have different styles, but the most important thing was rice noodles' softness and tenderness.
The food was served with remarkable speed at the shop. Bowls of rice noodles, each exuding a unique aroma and complemented by an array of enticing side dishes, were placed on the table. A warm mist enveloped the space, carrying with it a tantalizing medley of scents that mingled together.
Ge Qingshu dragged the bowl of rice noodles in front of her closer and said to everyone, "Everyone, just eat from the bowl in front of you, save time and trouble to pick."
The ladies hurriedly whispered flattery to praise her for her intelligence, but they went quiet without saying too many words because the rice noodles were so fragrant. After smelling it, their tongue could not hold back their saliva, and their belly began to growl.
As they leaned in closer to their bowls of rice noodles, they marveled at the delicate strands, tender as jade, thin as cicada wings, and luxurious like fine silk yarn. Soaked in both shallow and deep broth, the noodles presented a vibrant palette, with robust pieces of meat nestled among them. When they stirred the bowls, a fragrant aroma wafted up, filling the air and tantalizing their senses.
Despite being made from rice, the preparation methods of the noodles varied, resulting in distinct textures and flavors. While the rice was smooth and firm, the rice noodles were predominantly soft and slightly waxy. When they attempted to pick up the noodles with their chopsticks, they found them so slippery and tender that the strands would effortlessly slip through their grasp, slumping gently back into the bowl.
No matter how many people worried about this kind of ordinary small market just now, as soon as the rice noodles entered their mouth, all their thoughts were washed away by the unspeakable taste.
The rice noodles were very soft and tender, with a texture that was soft and waxy, full of moisture. When chewed, the savory taste of the soup bloomed in the mouth. The taste was light and smooth, yet the noodles absorbed the soup, as if the tender and glutinous aroma of the rice noodles were filled with the broth.
Unlike usual noodles, which became soft and absorbed the soup when cooked, often turning massy and losing their deliciousness, the rice noodles managed to keep their light texture while still retaining the flavors of the soup. The soup base was very fresh, including rib soup, chicken soup, and big bone soup. Some flavors focused solely on freshness, resembling a clear and pure breeze.
When the umami taste reached a certain level, it was slightly sweet and refreshing, highlighting the mellow rice flavor of the noodles. The combination of the fresh soup and the rice noodles, with their slight sweetness, created a delightful experience, even for a noble lady who, accustomed to eating less since childhood, couldn't help but indulge bite after bite.
Initially, they were picky and took a small bite with a gentle rhythm. Later, they buried their head in the bowl and stretched their neck forward. As soon as their lips touched the soft rice noodles, they gurgled gently, and the full juice gradually went up and down. In their lips, the rice noodles were as soft and smooth as silk and satin. After one sip and chew, it slid down the throat with endless freshness and warmth.
No wonder some people called eating noodles "drinking noodles" or "slurping noodles." It was hard to imagine that rice noodles could keep their smoothness and softness while being glutinous and flexible, and making the taste elastic and unbroken.
The toppings of their rice noodles were also overwhelmingly rich. Whether it was ordinary sliced meat, shredded pork, or fatty intestines, lamb offal, chicken offal, ribs, etc., everything was interesting. After adapting to the taste of rice noodles, they occasionally picked a small piece of the topping. The chicken was fragrant and crispy; the meat was succulent; the intestines were soft and chewy. The more they chewed, the more mellow it was. It only enriched the taste without taking the limelight from the rice noodles
In addition to the normal fresh clear soup, there was also a stewed soup made with various herbs and spices, such as grass fruit, fennel, Chinese pepper, tangerine peel, etc. The taste was rich, and the mouth was full of mildly jumping fragrance.
It was essential to pair the noodles with pancakes to soak in the soup. After the pancakes fully absorbed the soup, the outer skin was oily and crisp, but the inside was filled with a tender filling. After one bite, their mouth seemed unable to hold the steady flow of soup, and even the pancake crust became extremely mellow.
Whoever was not a proud lady who liked to eat vegetables and light dishes? She didn't eat heavy tastes for fear of getting addicted, but at that moment, there was a small pancake competition.
"Give me half of yours."
"Hey, didn't you eat one already? Why did you clip another one?"
"Don't you like greasy things? Even a vegetarian bean cake is too greasy for you. Why bother to grab this piece with me."
No matter how they were fighting, Ge Qingshu wiped her mouth, got up gracefully, and asked a waiter to pack a portion of dry mixed rice noodles to take away. After all, eating two bowls in front of these ladies would reveal her true nature.
The ladies who were following her were a little hesitant when they saw her leaving, but they still were not planning to follow her this time.
"Qingshu has a small appetite but we are different. It is important to eat properly. It’s not good to starve oneself."
"It's reasonable."
The dry mixed rice noodles were packaged in a bamboo tube, with banana leaves padded inside. It was held by the maid and still exuded some fragrance. Ge Qingshu came down from the second floor and realized that she was eating and drinking and forgot about Jiang Shuyao. She panicked and hurried out of the shop to find her.
Because of the influx of a group of noble ladies just now, some diners were finally willing to taste the food. After the first one ate, the second one followed. One by one, the business was booming, and the streets were full of liveliness and crowds.
Her maid cleared the way for her. She went around and didn't see Jiang Shuyao. When she was about to leave, she saw Jiang Shuyao's back.
Ge Qingshu hurriedly walked over, lifted her hat, and shouted, "Shuyao!"
Jiang Shuyao turned her head, and the person standing beside her also turned her head. Ge Qingshu thought that they were just standing close to each other, but not acquaintances, so she walked a few steps forward and held Jiang Shuyao, "What's the matter with you? I went upstairs just now, and you disappeared when I turned around."
After she finished speaking, she suddenly felt that the atmosphere was not right. When she looked to the side, she found that the beauty which she squeezed away just now was raising her eyebrows and staring at her unkindly.
After Jiang Shuyao was squeezed away by the group of noble ladies, she met Xu-shi and Zhou-shi, who came out with their children. The children were taken away for dinner by the maids and stewards, but Jiang Shuyao entertained them. After the three of them had finished eating, they thought about going back to the carriage and waiting for the children to come back. They were about to get on the carriage, but Ge Qingshu stopped them, so this scene happened.
Ge Qingshu's expression remained unchanged, and she nodded to Xu-shi and Zhou-shi and asked, "This is?"
Jiang Shuyao quickly introduced them to each other.
Ge Qingshu asked her servants to get the carriage, and Xu-shi said politely, "Miss Ge might as well wait in our carriage."
She thought she would decline, but Ge Qingshu nodded slightly and said unhurriedly, "Thank you so much. It just so happens that Shuyao and I have something to say."
Zhou-shi glanced at Xu-shi, and Xu-shi returned it with an indifferent look.
The four people got in the car one by one. After Ge Qingshu sat down, she said a set of communicative opening remarks familiar to Xu-shi and Zhou-shi. Everyone was a noblewoman who often entered and exited banquets. But the atmosphere was particularly weird.
After the three of them stopped talking, Jiang Shuyao said, "Qingshu, what do you think of the taste?" Xu-shi and Zhou-shi had a meal with her, so she didn't need to ask them.
Ge Qingshu tilted her head, "Excellent. It's a pity that there are so many kinds of food mentioned in your letter, but today I can only eat one."
As Jiang Shuyao was about to speak, Zhou-shi first answered her, "Letter? Miss Ge often has correspondence with Yaoyao?"
Ge Qingshu met her gaze and suddenly raised the corner of her mouth slightly, "Yes."
The two sets of eyes collided, and Zhou-shi felt the provocation. She raised half of her eyebrows, "So, it seems that today's opening was also mentioned in the letter?"
Ge Qingshu was calm and relaxed. Her tone was neither peeved nor light, "Exactly. Today we have a small gathering in the poetry club, so we came here after we finished."
"Poetry Club?" Zhou-shi seemed a little surprised, "Miss Ge is indeed the number one talented woman in the capital."
Ge Qingshu glanced over Jiang Shuyao, and when she saw her looking at herself, her expression became calmer, "I dare not to claim this title."
Zhou-shi's body was leaning on the wall of the carriage, with an air of arrogance, and she smiled, "It's a coincidence. I remember that the first talented woman in Chang’an used to be the eldest sister-in-law, but then she became lazy and didn't want to socialize. Then the title of the first was lost."
Xu-shi finally spoke, "What are these false titles for?"
Zhou-shi glanced at her. The two's thoughts synchronized, and they decided to join forces unanimously. Zhou-shi said, "By the way, it seems that the eldest sister-in-law organized this poetry club."
Xu-shi said, "It was just a whim."
Ge Qingshu looked at them, lowered her eyes, and suddenly raised her hand to hold Jiang Shuyao. She tugged her to her side and smiled, "It's really a coincidence, Shuyao, don't you think so?"
Xu-shi's and Zhou-shi's eyes met Ge Qingshu's in the air, and sparks seemed to burst for a while.
Jiang Shuyao: ...I should have waited outside the carriage, not inside.
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