Ancient Foodie Survival Guide Chapter 75
Translated by Serena Love
Edited by Azure
Chapter 75: Steamed Rice Roll
When Xie Xun told Jiang Shuyao that she would get rewards, she didn't care much. After all, ice-making was not a big deal in her opinion, and not to mention the rewards would be nothing more than gold and silver jewelry. She didn't lack any of it.
But she had obviously guessed the direction wrong, as Xie Xun came back empty-handed.
Jiang Shuyao, who didn't care about rewards, became interested. She was curious about what Xie Xun and the prince talked about and the results. So when they were lying in bed at night, she asked him.
Xie Xun understood her confusion and explained, "The prince remembers your credit and owe you a favor."
The lights were turned off at night, so Jiang Shuyao couldn't see Xie Xun's expression clearly. When he spoke, his tone had always been flat. At this moment, he sounds unpredictable.
Jiang Shuyao puzzled, "What does this mean?"
Xie Xun said, "It is just in case there is any trouble."
"It seems like we will cause some trouble in the future." Jiang Shuyao muttered.
Xie Xun chuckled and turned to look at her.
Because of the dark light, Xie Xun felt a lot more comfortable facing Jiang Shuyao.
"It's not us who will cause the trouble. It's you." Xie Xun corrected her and then his tone was stained with a smile, "So you have to think about it."
"Me?" Jiang Shuyao was not convinced, "What trouble can I cause?"
Xie Xun was silent for a moment and said, "Before, you persuaded your mother to open a restaurant, saying that it was to arouse mother-in-law's fighting spirit and make her life a little more comfortable. Was that really the case?"
Jiang Shuyao was dumbfounded for a moment, "I did think so at the time."
"What about now?"
Jiang Shuyao was silent.
"In my opinion, you won't limit yourself just to open a few restaurants in those piers and the street food market. You want to do big business, right?"
These words surprised Jiang Shuyao. She was inexplicably distressed and irritated. She said in a dull voice, "I don't know. Why do you seem to know me better than myself?"
Xie Xun couldn’t help but be amused by her complaining tone. Instead of refuting her, he responded warmly, "It’s okay, take your time to think. The days ahead are still long. I promised to be by your side, so no matter what you want to do, you don’t have to worry. Right now, the street food market business is thriving, and it’s drawing a lot of attention. If it grows even bigger in the future, I’m afraid it might attract trouble."
Jiang Shuyao nodded, understanding the underlying concern. "I get it," she said thoughtfully. "After all, we’re essentially taking business away from others in the food industry. It’s natural that they might see us as competition and try to cause problems."
Hearing her tone down, Xie Xun quickly changed his words to persuade her, "I just want to plan ahead first. Maybe it's just my unreasonable worry. Don't worry too much. Go to sleep."
Jiang Shuyao was quite convinced by Xie Xun. After Xie Xun said this, she felt more at ease.
She stared at the ceiling of the bed for a while, then turned to Xie Xun and said, "Thank you."
"No need to say thanks. Husband and wife are one, let alone I had promised you." He was referring to what he said during the confession that day.
Jiang Shuyao's entanglement disappeared, turning into strands of honey and warmth.
She stretched out her hand, found Xie Xun's hand, and gently hooked his finger.
Xie Xun stiffened and dared not move.
Jiang Shuyao didn't know the violent fluctuations in his heart. She felt that he hadn't moved his hand, so she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Her fingers were slender and soft, and her fingertips were warm and smooth as warm jade. Xie Xun's heart was beating hard. After hearing her breathing ease, he became less nervous.
He then remembered that it was late, he had to go to bed quickly. He quickly closed his eyes, but he didn't expect to sleep more sweetly tonight.
The next day, when Zhou-shi came to see Jiang Shuyao, Jiang Shuyao put aside her entanglement from last night.
Zhou-shi's complexion was good today, with a brisk smile on the corners of her eyes.
Jiang Shuyao's mood also became a lot more joyful, "What is your happy event, second sister-in-law?"
Zhou-shi shook her head and smiled, "It's not a happy event." Speaking of this, she took Jiang Shuyao's hand, "My younger sister, it is all thanks to you. If it weren't for you, I would never have taken the step closer to Ah Sheng, let alone think that I can also make food for her to improve our relationship. She promised me yesterday that I could send food to her often!"
She sighed, "I don’t understand poetry like Ah Sheng does. I can’t discuss clothes and jewelry that most girls like, let alone talk about martial arts. I’ve been worried about it. But who would have thought that, as a mother, I could take the first step toward getting close with a bowl of sweets?"
When Jiang Shuyao heard this, she couldn’t help but smile. "From now on, you should visit her often, whether it’s to deliver food or simply to check on her. We should also learn to cook dishes suitable for children every day. What do you think?"
Zhou-shi nodded, "Okay!"
"Then we start today."
Zhou-shi, who was gearing up, mumbled, "I only went to find her yesterday. If I went again today, would it be too much?"
Jiang Shuyao glanced at her, and Zhou-shi felt her complaint without a single word.
She immediately put aside those worries, "Go, I will go today." Then she pulled Jiang Shuyao to the small kitchen, for fear that she would be angry, "What shall we learn today?"
Jiang Shuyao thought for a while. Children shouldn't eat strong or pungent food, so she chose one from Cantonese cuisine.
She said, "Rice rolls."
"Rice rolls?" Zhou-shi was stunned when she heard the name. "Does it have anything weird?" She knew that Jiang Shuyao liked to use those weird ingredients for food, such as pig intestines or sheep intestines.
[T/N: In Chinese, this food is called "rice intestine" instead of "rice rolls". Hence, Zhou-shi’s question.]
"Of course not." Jiang Shuyao explained. "The rice rolls are made of rice."
As Jiang Shuyao explained the process, she fetched the rice that had been soaking since the previous day. She began by crushing the rice and grinding it into a smooth slurry. To achieve the right consistency, she added an appropriate amount of water to dilute it. However, since the rice slurry wasn’t fine enough at this stage, she carefully sifted it through a filter cloth to remove any coarse particles. She then ground it again until the slurry became clear, delicate, and perfectly smooth.
Next, she added a pinch of salt and a drizzle of peanut oil to the rice slurry, stirring it thoroughly to ensure even distribution. She took a flat-bottomed plate and lightly greased it with oil to prevent sticking. Pouring a thin layer of the rice slurry onto the plate, she cracked an egg over it, spreading it evenly. She then sprinkled a handful of minced pork, finely chopped green onions, and diced vegetable leaves across the surface, creating a colorful and flavorful topping.
The plate was then placed in a steamer. After about two minutes, the rice slurry began to solidify, transforming into a thin, translucent sheet of white rice noodle. Once the noodle had set and turned crystal clear, Jiang Shuyao carefully removed the plate from the steamer.
The next step was the seasoning sauce. Jiang Shuyao combined soy sauce, sugar, and a small spoonful of self-cooked oil to enhance the flavor in a small bowl, then added a little warm water to dilute it.
Using a flat knife, she gently pushed the rice noodle from the edge of the plate, separating the white, tender noodle from the bottom. As she rolled it, the noodle formed long, wrinkled strips resembling pig intestines. She poured the well-mixed sauce over the rice rolls and sprinkled them with sautéed sesame seeds, completing the dish.
The rice rolls were white and translucent, their color becoming even more prominent once coated with the sauce. As the sauce cascaded over them, it left dark and light reddish-brown streaks, adding depth and visual appeal to the delicate, silky rolls.
The rice rolls, fresh out of the pot, were steaming hot. The rising mist mingled with the umami-rich aroma of the sauce, creating a pure and enticing fragrance that was impossible to resist.
"Second sister-in-law, try it," Jiang Shuyao said warmly, handing a pair of chopsticks to Zhou-shi.
After thanking her, Zhou-shi took the chopsticks and picked up a piece of rice roll. The rice roll was incredibly tender, appearing almost fragile, as if it might fall apart at the slightest touch. Yet, it was soft and elastic, trembling slightly between the chopsticks.
The moment she placed the rice roll in her mouth, her taste buds were greeted by its soft, delicate texture. The warmth of the rice roll carried the savory freshness of the sauce, complemented by the mellow, comforting flavor of the rice. Though simple, the taste was far from bland—it was a burst of pure, new fragrance that delighted the senses.
With a gentle bite, the soft, slightly sticky rice noodle parted between her teeth. The texture was tender yet elastic, with just a hint of resilience, making each bite a satisfying and harmonious experience.
The minced meat and egg nestled within the rice rolls added even more layers of flavor. The savory aroma of the meat, the refreshing crunch of the vegetables, the umami-rich freshness of the sauce, and the subtle sweetness of the rice all came together in perfect harmony. Each bite was a delightful blend of textures and tastes, evoking a sense of happiness and comfort that warmed both the stomach and the heart.
"How is it?" Jiang Shuyao asked.
Zhou-shi nodded hurriedly. After eating the whole plate of rice rolls, she took time to answer, "I didn't expect such simple ingredients and methods could make this kind of food." She praised, "If it is eaten in the early morning, you will be full of vigor and spirit."
Jiang Shuyao smiled and said, "Then you can do it in the morning after you learn it."
Zhou-shi suggested, "If the street food market sells rice rolls, there will be many people buying it."
Jiang Shuyao didn't think about business before, but now Zhou-shi suggested it, she thought about it and nodded, "Probably." Street food market has mostly heavy-tasting food, not much light and delicious food like rice rolls.
Speaking of this, Zhou-shi remembered her doubts from before, "By the way, why does the street food market only sell lunch and dinner, but not breakfast?"
Jiang Shuyao told her about her thoughts, "The street food market is meant to be fun, and the food inside is not suitable for breakfast. What's more, if it's early in the morning, who wants to get up early to eat at the street food market? People would eat breakfast at home or on stalls at the side of the road."
Zhou-shi said in a puzzled way, "Then don't sell it in the street food market. The recipes that are suitable for breakfast could be sold in a morning food stall. Do you just want to open one street food market, and that's it?"
This question made Jiang Shuyao startled, and Xie Xun said a similar thing yesterday. It seems that everyone thinks she would want bigger business.
Jiang Shuyao didn't answer this question, and Zhou-shi did not care. Under the guidance of Jiang Shuyao, she made a new plate of rice rolls and went to the old madam's courtyard happily.
Jiang Shuyao had something in her mind, so she didn't stay in the courtyard but took a walk while thinking about future business issues.
The restaurants at the piers and street food markets must be open forever, but should she open any restaurants in other places?
When she wandered around the house thinking about problems, Zhou-shi had already sat next to Xie Sheng.
In the summer, Xie Sheng would read a book in the arch bridge's shade every day, so Zhou-shi went there again today.
After she introduced the rice rolls to Xie Sheng, she looked at her expectantly, "Try it quickly."
Since Xie Sheng had agreed to Zhou-shi's offer to bring her food, she would not give her a cold face.
Unlike the twins from the first branch who often followed Jiang Shuyao to flatter her, this was the first time Xie Sheng saw such novel food.
The child's curiosity prevailed. She glanced at Zhou-shi and picked up the chopsticks under her expectant look.
She ate slowly and took a small bite of the rice roll. Obviously it was just a small mouthful, but it made her eyes suddenly shine.
The rice rolls were smooth, soft and waxy to bite, but not sticky to the teeth. The sauce was pure and fresh, giving the rice rolls a strong fragrance of fresh and slightly sweet aroma. The minced meat and egg liquid inside added a hint of meaty flavor to the tender rice noodles, delicious and refreshing.
The rice rolls had a very good taste, smooth and tender, and it slipped into her throat gently. The soft texture makes people have a warm feeling.
Zhou-shi looked at her nervously, for fear that what she made would not suit her taste.
After Xie Sheng ate a piece of rice rolls, she opened her mouth and said, "It's delicious."
Zhou-shi suddenly jumped up and said, "Eat more if it's delicious. If you want to eat it in the future, ask mother to make it for you."
Her enthusiasm made Xie Sheng a little uncomfortable.
Before answering, she was urged by Zhou-shi to continue eating, "Eat quickly, it won't taste good when it's cold."
Xie Sheng pursed her lips, her expression caught between hesitation and restraint. She wanted to say something but ultimately chose to remain silent.
The rice rolls were undeniably delicious, and despite her awkwardness and discomfort, she couldn’t resist continuing to eat until the plate was spotless.
For someone like Zhou-shi, who loved to cook, there was an immense sense of fulfillment in seeing others enjoy the food she had prepared. And when that person was her daughter—the one she longed to connect with most—the joy was even greater.
Zhou-shi’s happiness was palpable, her smile spreading across her face, impossible to suppress. It was a pure, unguarded joy. Xie Sheng, who had just finished the plate of rice rolls, couldn’t help but be subtly affected by it. After a brief moment of hesitation, she managed to offer a small, stiff smile in return—a gesture that, while not entirely natural, carried a hint of warmth.
Zhou-shi looked at her strange smile and let it go. After all, she was her own daughter, so she was not worried. Even if her daughter doesn't want to get close, she has to do her best as a mother.
She stopped laughing, and suddenly blurted out, "Ah Sheng, I will bring you food tomorrow, okay?"
Her expression was a little nervous, but her eyes were extremely gentle.
Xie Sheng was a little startled and was silent. Just when Zhou-shi thought she would refuse, she nodded gently and said, "Okay."
A bowl of rice noodles quietly dissipated the embarrassing atmosphere that had been deadlocked between mother and daughter for years.
Jiang Shuyao, who had walked towards them, stopped and watched this scene from a distance. She suddenly understood what she was going to do next.
At that time, doing business was a whim. The most important thing was to make Lin-shi happy. It was also a meaningful thing to open a restaurant and take care of ordinary people, so Lin-shi focused on it, forgetting the backyard's mess.
Lin-shi found a sense of purpose in opening those restaurants, and so did she. For her, running a street food market meant bringing a wide array of modern and diverse cuisines into an ancient world. It was a way to offer ordinary people new and exciting food experiences, far different from the more refined atmosphere of high-end restaurants.
When she saw the diners at the market eating joyfully, engaging in lively conversation, it brought her a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This feeling drove her, fueling her desire to do more and improve the everyday dining experience for the common folk.
After coming to this realization, Lin-shi couldn't help but feel a touch of exasperation. Xie Xun truly understood her better than she understood herself. She had always said that food could bring happiness and heal people's hearts, and now, she found herself striving to give more people the opportunity to savor delicious dishes, taste new flavors, and enjoy a variety of culinary styles. Xie Xun had been right all along—she had to aim higher, to grow her business, to make it bigger and better.
If you enjoyed Serena’s work, buy her a ko-fi! 