Ancient Foodie Survival Guide Chapter 81
Translated by Serena Love
Edited by Azure
Chapter 81: Dried Plum Flatbread
When Jiang Shuyao left the palace gate, Xie Xun had already been waiting there for some time.
The sun was gradually setting, painting the sky in hues of red, with only a thin band of gold lingering at the horizon. Its radiant glow was so intense that it made it hard to keep one’s eyes open.
Xie Xun stood tall and imposing, dressed in his bright official robes, not far from the palace gate. His presence was striking and impossible to miss.
Jiang Shuyao’s heart swelled with indescribable joy, and she lifted her skirt slightly as she ran toward him.
As if sensing her approach, Xie Xun turned around and saw Jiang Shuyao rushing in his direction.
He hadn't expected her to run toward him. Instinctively, he stretched out his arm to catch her, worried she might fall, but realizing they were in front of the palace gate, he quickly lowered it.
Jiang Shuyao reached him and stopped, slightly out of breath. "Have you waited long?" she asked.
"No," Xie Xun replied without thinking. "I would wait, no matter how long it takes." He thought to himself, it would be wonderful if he could wait for her every day, basking in the glow of the setting sun, only to turn around and see her running toward him. The feeling of waiting would be transformed into something precious.
Jiang Shuyao didn't quite grasp the deeper meaning of his words. She tugged at the cuff of his official uniform and said, "Let's go."
Xie Xun nodded, and the two walked forward side by side.
"What did you do in the palace today that took so long?"
"After chatting for a while, I made a bet and prepared a dish for the imperial concubine."
"Oh?" Xie Xun looked down at her. "You were cooking in the palace?"
Jiang Shuyao explained the whole story and finally asked, "Do you think the concubine ate it?"
Xie Xun pursed his lips, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. Seeing her proud expression, he couldn’t help but smile and say, "Of course, not only did she eat it, but she also found it delicious, right?"
"Huh?" Jiang Shuyao asked, "How did you know?" She nervously tried to explain the process.
He replied with ease, "Because you made it."
Jiang Shuyao, a bit embarrassed by his words, playfully hit him. "What nonsense is that?"
By then, work hours had long ended, and there were few people left in front of the palace. Most were elderly officials with gray beards, leaving late in the evening.
It was striking for the two to walk side by side, yet Xie Xun, unwilling to waste a moment of their time together, subtly moved his hand closer to Jiang Shuyao.
The official uniform was broad and resplendent, blending with Jiang Shuyao's light lotus-red satin. Their wide cuffs overlapped and brushed against one another.
Jiang Shuyao, not fully understanding, was about to pull her arm away when Xie Xun suddenly grasped her hand.
Surprised, she looked up at him. Xie Xun, holding her left hand, cleared his throat and explained, "It’s covered by the sleeve."
That’s what you’re worried about?!
Jiang Shuyao was at a loss for words.
After Xie Xun spoke, he glanced to the left, surveying their surroundings to ensure no officials were watching them hold hands, and only then did he relax.
Once he had her hand, Xie Xun’s steps seemed lighter, though the road was too short, and they soon arrived at the carriage.
He helped Jiang Shuyao inside, followed her in, and settled beside her.
After getting into the carriage, Jiang Shuyao felt a wave of dizziness and opened the wooden box containing the flatbreads. She picked up a piece and stuffed it into her mouth.
Xie Xun glanced at her, "Hungry?"
Jiang Shuyao nodded, "I had lunch in the Imperial Concubine's palace. It wasn’t great, and there was nothing else to eat in the afternoon."
After eating a few pieces of flatbread, the dizziness faded. Xie Xun handed her a cup of hot tea, which she gratefully drank.
With her stomach feeling better, Jiang Shuyao sighed, "It’s still so much more comfortable at home."
Xie Xun took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the crumbs from the corner of her mouth, "That’s only natural."
After wiping it twice, Xie Xun noticed something was off. "What’s that on the corner of your mouth? Why is it red?"
He glanced at the color transferred to the handkerchief, his worry escalating. It looked like blood, but not quite. Could it be that she had hurt the corner of her mouth?
Seeing his panicked expression, Jiang Shuyao froze. "What?"
She raised her hand to touch the corner of her mouth and saw the bright red color on her fingers. Realization hit her, and she chuckled, "...It’s lipstick."
Xie Xun’s nervous expression froze, and he folded the handkerchief silently, tucking it back into his cuff. "Your lipstick wasn’t this bright before."
"Of course, this one is used by the imperial concubine." The lipstick she usually used was a soft pink lip balm, but the one Concubine Lin had given her was deep and bold red. Xie Xun had never dealt with such things, and it wasn’t like he’d been staring at a woman’s lips every day to notice such details. Though it seemed a little silly, it was understandable that he hadn’t picked up on it.
She leaned closer to him and asked, "Didn’t you notice that my lips were especially red today?"
Their gazes locked, and a subtle stillness settled between them.
Xie Xun stared at her rosy, plump lips, blinked, and suddenly realized, "So that’s what it is. I was wondering why today felt different."
Jiang Shuyao had intended to tease him, but his complete indifference made it fall flat. Feeling slightly disappointed, she leaned back against the carriage wall.
Xie Xun, however, couldn’t help but subtly shift his gaze back to her lips. He studied them carefully, marveling at the change. As he compared the redness to what he’d seen after she ate chili, he noticed the difference—it was softer, brighter, and fuller.
Jiang Shuyao felt his gaze linger on her lips and, thinking he might make a move, felt a flutter of nervousness. However, when she glanced at his face, she saw no emotion—only a look of deep contemplation as he studied her features.
She silently huffed and turned her face away, directing her attention to the carriage wall instead.
Upon arriving at Duke Xie's mansion, Jiang Shuyao leaped out of the carriage and walked briskly into the courtyard, ignoring Xie Xun’s attempts to speak.
Xie Xun, left in confusion, followed her in, mind racing with thoughts of what had just happened.
Once inside the courtyard, Jiang Shuyao made a beeline for the kitchen. Her hunger was overwhelming, and she felt flustered after a day of poor meals, eager to finally satisfy her appetite.
She swept around in the kitchen and saw the dried plum flatbread covered in the shade.
A few days ago, she discussed with Lin-shi about opening breakfast stalls in various places in the capital. However, there were more things for sale, and the production time was shorter, so Jiang Shuyao began to think about all kinds of flatbreads.
Strictly speaking, the dried plum flatbreads weren’t exactly breakfast; they were more like late-night snacks. When people thought of dried plum flatbreads, their minds would wander to the street snack carts. A shaking lightbulb hung from the roof of the cart, casting a warm, orange glow. The oily aroma of fried flatbreads would rise, filling the air with a plump, salty scent. Just the smell of it would make anyone think that finding supper was the right choice.
The flatbreads themselves were thin and unremarkable at first glance. They lacked sesame seeds or the signature crisscross patterns of puffed flatbreads. But one bite was enough to reveal their appeal. Inside, the filling was simple—dried plums and minced pork. No oil was needed, as it was fried directly in the pan. As the minced meat heated, the oil gradually leaked out, soaking into the dough and making the surface crisp and golden. In certain spots, the oil would even turn the crust a translucent color.
The flatbreads' shells gradually expanded, puffing up into little pockets that looked almost adorable. After frying, Jiang Shuyao gently prodded them with her chopsticks, feeling the thin, outer layer turn crisp and brittle.
Outside the small kitchen, Xie Xun lingered quietly, pondering what mistake he might have made. But as the scent wafted toward him, he couldn't resist and stepped inside.
His gaze shifted to the dried plum flatbreads in the pan, and after swallowing softly, he asked in a gentle, almost cautious tone, "Would you like some porridge? I can have the maid bring it from the main kitchen."
Jiang Shuyao glanced over at him. His uneasy expression, with eyes lowered and lips slightly pursed, reminded her so much of Xie Yao. Suppressing a smile, she replied, "Go ahead. Just a basic rice porridge."
Xie Xun got the order and ordered the maid out of the small kitchen.
Because Xie Xun was there, Jiang Shuyao fried two more flatbreads and placed them on a plate, on top of a few pieces of oil paper, and dinner was settled like this.
The maid's legs were quick, and as soon as Jiang Shuyao and Xie Xun sat down on the table, they brought the rice porridge.
Xie Xun remained in a state of panic, too nervous to eat until he saw Jiang Shuyao move her chopsticks.
Dried plum flatbreads, like most flatbreads, weren't really suited for chopsticks. To enjoy them properly, you had to pick them up with your hands and bring them to your mouth. The most satisfying way was to simply bite straight into them.
The crust of the dried plum flatbreads was thin and delicate. It felt firm when kneaded, but once fried, it became incredibly crispy. The rich, savory aroma of the fatty meat seeped into the crust, enhancing the subtle fragrance of the flour. With each bite, a satisfying "crunch crunch" sound filled the air.
The filling inside the flatbreads was just a modest layer of dried plums and minced pork, carefully balanced. Too much would make it greasy and overly salty. The minced pork was rich and fatty, and when fried, its oil and juices melded seamlessly with the dried plums. The filling appeared in earthy shades of brown and green, with occasional flecks of red and white from the finely minced meat. It was simple yet understated, giving off an impression of lightness.
When Xie Xun pinched the flatbread, the crispy shell crunched under his fingers, releasing a transparent, oily essence. It was unclear whether the dried plums had absorbed the oil from frying, or if the savory juices had leached out, but the mixture created a perfect balance. Against the dried plums, the minced pork appeared finely cut and gleaming, its sheen without any hint of excess grease. As he bit into the flatbread, Xie Xun finally grasped the delightful complexity of the dish.
The dried plums were finely chopped, not coarse in the least, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Slightly soft, they burst with a blend of freshness and saltiness that filled the mouth with vibrant flavors. While the dried plums alone might not be particularly impressive, they became an essential complement to the fatty minced meat. The plums absorbed the meat's oil, enhancing its savory richness without becoming greasy. Each bite was a harmonious balance of fragrant oils, tender meat, and refreshing plum, creating a delicious, well-rounded experience.
The minced meat, nestled within the dried plums, was soft and tender, its flavor subtle yet distinctly aromatic. When combined with the plums, its fragrance intensified. The taste was a perfect fusion of salt and sweetness, rich and fresh, with a natural sweetness that would surely appeal to children.
At that moment, a simple white porridge seemed unnecessary. A cup of tea would serve far better, its bitterness and freshness balancing out the rich oiliness of the flatbreads, leaving behind a sweet aftertaste.
After taking a bite of the dried plum flatbread, Xie Xun asked, "Will these be sold at the market in the future?"
Jiang Shuyao nodded, "Of course. There are other types of flatbreads, and many variations."
Xie Xun nodded thoughtfully, then casually added, "Are there any restaurants selling breakfast around here?" He quickly attempted to explain himself, "Though this area is mostly high-end residences like Duke Mansions, there are still some places nearby where people go early in the morning to buy food. For instance, Lin Cheng carries a few copper coins and heads to Wuliu Alley every day to buy duck meat pastries." He paused, fearing that Jiang Shuyao might misunderstand his intentions. "I want to eat too," he added, trying to soften the implication, but inwardly concerned that she might think he was complaining or trying to escape being pampered.
Jiang Shuyao simply stared at him, saying nothing.
Xie Xun continued, "If people are late in the morning, they usually go out to buy food on the way. But I'm different. I go out to buy food so I won’t be late." He smiled inwardly, knowing that Jiang Shuyao had developed a taste for good food. It had been a long time since he had endured the main kitchen’s fare.
Jiang Shuyao thought it over, considering his reasoning. It seemed plausible. She nodded and said, "We can try it."
Though Xie Xun’s expression remained calm, his heart swelled with joy, almost overwhelmed by the simple happiness of her agreement.
The next day, Xie Xun went to the East Palace, unable to contain his excitement about the breakfast idea. He shared it with his colleagues, which sparked a wave of praise and cheer. Lin Cheng exaggerated: Every day, he ate duck meat pastry, and he almost grew into a duck meat pastry. Lin Cheng was so happy, he offered a cup of tea.
Soon after, breakfast stalls began popping up all over the place, but there was no sign of one in Xicheng. Xie Xun, feeling the weight of his earlier boast, was met with amused glances from his colleagues, who now saw him as a big-mouth liar. He shrank back in embarrassment, and the colleagues, still amused, reminded him daily, "Go get your wife to make the arrangements quickly!"
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