Ancient Foodie Survival Guide Chapter 97
Translated by Serena Love
Edited by Azure
Chapter 97: Glutinous Rice-Stuffed Chicken Wings (1)
After the group of people was full, they walked back happily.
The food troupe helped Jiang Shuyao carry her box and walked around her. You say something, and I say something, for fear that she would fall.
"Sister-in-law, be careful. There is a pit in the front."
"Hey, there is a tree branch, beware."
Xie Xun had no choice but to pull Jiang Shuyao's sleeves, and Jiang Shuyao looked back at him.
"Don't care about them." He said, "They just want to keep eating."
Jiang Shuyao couldn't laugh or cry, "It's okay, I know. I don't mind."
Xie Xun hummed inwardly. His wife's temperament of sharing delicious food, and happiness was really lovely but also annoying.
He held Jiang Shuyao's arm and looked at her feet, fearing that she might trip on the mountain road.
Jiang Shuyao felt that his hand supporting her arm was strong and sturdy, but she was worried and said, "Your injury hasn't healed yet. Just take care of yourself."
"I'm all right." Xie Xun thought it was nothing serious. Besides, he was careful.
"What if the wound splits and bleeds again?" Jiang Shuyao said, "That day—"
"That day was an accident!" Xie Xun hurriedly interrupted her, implying a sense of secret, causing the hungry monkeys leading the way to look back at him.
"Boyuan, why haven't you healed after so long? Your injuries have always recovered very quickly." Someone asked with concern, "Could it be that you have been resting at home for too long and you have been pampered all day..."
Xie Xun's face turned dark, and they shut up immediately.
Their eyes fell on Jiang Shuyao, and there was a feeling of they could see it clearly but unable to say it. Just with Jiang Shuyao's temperament, how could it be difficult to spoil the wounded and provide everything good and delicious.
Xie Xun felt that this group of people was too horrible. He was afraid that they would make Jiang Shuyao feel that he was spoiled, so he shot two pheasants on the road to prove to her that his injuries were all right.
After the people arrived at the place where the Xie family lived, Xie Xun drove them away. Although they were reluctant to give up, they were also embarrassed to continue eating and drinking. They could only think about pleasing Jiang Shuyao next time.
After Xie Xun pulled the bow to shoot a couple of arrows, Jiang Shuyao worried that his wound would open. Even with Xie Xun's repeated assurances, she still drove him to the bed to rest for a while.
After Xie Xun left, Jiang Shuyao stared at the two pheasants he had caught. She finally felt hungry and asked a palace man for some chicken wings and glutinous rice.
She steamed the glutinous rice before starting to marinate the chicken wings, preparing to fry them once they cooled. After deftly removing the bones with scissors, she seasoned the wings and set them aside to marinate. Meanwhile, she mixed the steamed glutinous rice with green beans, frying it until fragrant and golden. By the time the rice was done, the chicken wings were nearly fully marinated, ready for the next step in her culinary process.
Just as she was about to stuff glutinous rice into the chicken wings, Xie Xun poked his head between the door frame.
"Didn't I ask you to go and rest for a while?" she asked, swiftly spooning glutinous rice into the chicken wings.
Xie Xun said, "I'm resting." In fact, he just changed his clothes, laid down, and turned left and right. He couldn't sleep, so he couldn't help but come out to find Jiang Shuyao.
Seeing that he didn't want to rest, Jiang Shuyao didn't persuade him and continued with what she was doing.
"What are you making?" Xie Xun couldn't help but admire Jiang Shuyao's unwavering dedication to food, no matter the setting. He had assumed that during the autumn hunting trip, they would leave the kitchen behind—that she might spend her time exploring the woods or simply relaxing with him in the house. Yet, here she was, requesting ingredients from a palace attendant, determined to continue her with various ingredients.
"Chicken wings stuffed with rice."
Xie Xun saw that she stuffed fried glutinous rice into the raw chicken wings and was puzzled, "How do you do this? Why are the chicken wings raw and the stuffed glutinous rice is actually cooked?"
"Just put it in the oven and bake it. The glutinous rice inside is already cooked. Don't worry about not the chicken not being roasted thoroughly. The chicken wings' soup and oil will melt into the glutinous rice..." As she said this, she was taken aback. No, how do you bake things without an oven?
She wanted to make something interesting to eat on a whim but forgot that this was not in Duke Xie's mansion, and there was no baking kiln.
Just as she hesitated how to deal with the stuffed chicken wing, a eunuch came to pass Concubine Lin's instructions. She asked Jiang Shuyao to come and see her.
Jiang Shuyao hesitated for a moment and directly brought the chicken wing stuffed with rice. She didn't have all her utensils here, but the palace people over in Imperial Concubine Lin's side could always find a substitute, even if it was baking on a small stove. It was only when she arrived that she knew that she was not going to the Concubine Lin's site but the Queen's.
When Jiang Shuyao arrived, the Queen and several young noble ladies were there, chatting happily. Jiang Shuyao, who was holding a pot of chicken wings, looked extraordinarily surprised.
Concubine Lin and the Queen had a discussion, and afterward, they stayed to chat. Coincidentally, the Queen's niece arrived to visit her. Seeing an opportunity, the other ladies also flocked to the scene, eager to make an impression in front of the royals and enjoy themselves. Soon, the lobby was filled with a lively crowd, each vying for attention and subtly trying to outshine the others. After all, with the crown prince of marriageable age, everyone was keen to put their best foot forward in the presence of the royal family.
The Queen was kind and gentle, and she liked the juniors the most. Looking at a group of beautiful girls like flowers, she was smiling all the time, not at all annoyed by them.
The Queen possessed a natural nobility, her dignified and gracious demeanor cultivated since childhood. Concubine Lin, however, was different. Before entering the palace, she had mingled among men and was known for her straightforwardness. When angered, she wouldn’t hold her tongue or hesitate to let her subordinates handle matters directly. Now, watching these young ladies exchange veiled barbs and subtle jabs, she found their squeaky, roundabout mannerisms utterly tiresome and headache-inducing.
"The bead flowers on Miss Wan's head are so beautiful," one of the ladies remarked with a sweet smile. "Even though it's early autumn, you wear them as brightly and vibrantly as if it were spring."
"Third Miss Li is praiseworthy. You don't wear hairpins or make-up. You can be described as a water lotus, naturally beautiful and decorated, which makes our gold or pearl hairpins too vulgar."
The Third Miss Li's heart tightened, and she quietly glanced at Concubine Lin. Who didn't know that Concubine Lin liked gold jewelry the most?
"You little girls, all of you are very humble. Bengong will say that all of you look good, and each has its own beauty." The Queen said cheerfully.
[T/N: So bengong (本宮), this lady of the palace (lit. this palace), is strictly speaking, only to be used by the mistress (i.e. the head) of a palace. Which is why the empress would use it. Any consort or princess who has been conferred an official title by the emperor can use it too. But a princess who has not been conferred a title, would just use 本公主 (this princess).]
Concubine Lin smiled faintly but remained silent, though inwardly she was irritated. How had the conversation even come to this? These young ladies hadn’t even been born when she was stirring up storms in the harem. The Queen's gentle and composed demeanor led everyone to believe that the women of the palace were all sweet-tempered souls who wouldn’t dream of fighting or scheming. Little did they know that not all who lived in the harem were so mild-mannered—some, like her, had no qualms about settling scores with force.
She looked at her reflection in the golden spoon in her teacup. Besides, in regards to beauty, who was more beautiful than this old lady?
Seeing that their fighting spirit continued, and they were about to start chanting poems to show their talents, Concubine Lin couldn't bear it and asked someone to call Jiang Shuyao.
Forget about other things, just as Jiang Shuyao showed her face here, those who praised each other's appearance would blush in shame.
Concubine Lin’s eyes had lit up at the sight of the large box brought by Xie Guogong's mansion, her anticipation for a dramatic spectacle growing stronger. Her niece was just like her, and she could bring a large box full of clothes and jewelry. Who knows how she dressed up today. She must wear more hairpins and sway to suppress their limelight, blooms like hibiscus and lotus—she was the only woman worthy of the color of peony.
But then, Jiang Shuyao appeared.
Dressed simply yet elegantly, her hair neatly tied, she walked over carrying a basin in her hands.
Concubine Lin was stunned into silence. The ladies, mid-poetry game, froze in place, and even the ever-gracious Queen, who had been smiling warmly, was momentarily speechless.
Jiang Shuyao quickly handed the basin to a court lady behind her and respectfully saluted the Queen and Concubine Lin.
Before the Queen had spoken, Concubine Lin put down her teacup and said in disbelief, "How did you come out in these clothes?"
Jiang Shuyao said in a puzzled way, "Answering to Niang Niang. I was packing up ingredients just now. Wearing these clothes is easy to move, and it's easy to change and wash if it gets dirty."
Concubine Lin gritted her teeth, "...How can you come out without tidying up?"
Jiang Shuyao looked at the ladies sitting next to them. They were gorgeous and dressed in light-colored clothes, which looked like they were out hunting in autumn.
She briefly wondered if there was something wrong with her appearance, but this was how she always dressed at home. Xie Xun had never commented on it—in fact, he seemed to eagerly await her company every day.
The Queen hurriedly rounded the stage and called her to come over, "Let Bengong take a look. Look at this child. At first glance, she is virtuous and gentle."
Concubine Lin, who was so angry that her cheeks puffed up like a pufferfish, looked at Jiang Shuyao's beautiful and peachy face. She had to admire the Queen's ability to tell lies with her eyes open.
Ever since Concubine Lin sucked snails in front of Jiang Shuyao, Jiang Shuyao had no fear for her and asked directly, "Niang Niang, did you call me something?"
Concubine Lin lazily said, "Nothing. I just want you to join in the fun. Let's have fun together."
Jiang Shuyao was about to continue to answer, but she felt that the Queen's gaze kept falling on her and did not move away.
It was because the Queen was too curious about Jiang Shuyao. In the beginning, Xiangyang Mansion wanted Jiang Shuyao to marry Xie Xun, so Concubine Lin cried over to beg her and insisted on asking her to talk about the marriage in person. She didn't want to, but Concubine Lin and her helped each other and repeatedly saved each other from evil for so many years. Her son managed to grow up so big and became crown prince, she owed it a lot to Concubine Lin. That was the only time Concubine Lin asked her for something. How could she not respond?
Folk sayings often say that the twisted melon was not sweet. Even if this marriage was complete, Jiang Shuyao would not have a good time at Duke Xie's residence.
Unexpectedly, everything was not what she had imagined. After Jiang Shuyao got married, she seemed to be a different person. She often heard the crown prince talk about Jiang Shuyao and praised her.
When he returned from the embezzlement case a while ago, he had a meal in her palace. He insisted on eating steamed buns and dipping sauce and also ordered big steamed buns. The imperial dining room was confused.
She gave Jiang Shuyao a seat next to her, wanting to talk to her more and resolve the doubts in her heart.
Who knew that this made those ladies next to them look jealous.
Miss Jiang had robbed Master Xie, and she came to grab their limelight again today. This was unbearable.
The Queen's niece was the first to speak, "Mrs. Xie, I don't know what you brought here. It looks bloody, a little scary."
Jiang Shuyao had just sat down, she remembered her business, and said to Concubine Lin, "By the way, Niang Niang, if you don't have anything to tell me, can I borrow your kitchen?"
Concubine Lin was so angry. How could a scheming concubine like her have such a silly niece?
But when she thought about Jiang Shuyao's exceptional cooking skills, she nodded and said, "Of course, but there's no need to go to my place. You can stay here and use the Empress' kitchen. What do you think, sister?" If beauty couldn't outshine these young ladies, then winning the Queen's favor with culinary talent was just as good.
The Queen nodded naturally.
Jiang Shuyao answered the Queen's niece's question, "It's not blood. It's the marinade I made."
After speaking, she bowed to the Queen and Concubine Lin and withdrew. She went to the back to deal with her chicken wings.
The Queen smiled and said, "This child has a pure mind. This is the first time I have seen a little girl who is so eager to eat."
The atmosphere became lively again.
The Queen had to eat medicated food all day, so there was a small dining room where she lived. Because the emperor came to hunt in the paddock every year, everything available in the imperial kitchens was available here,
Jiang Shuyao placed the rice-stuffed chicken wings into a small stove, improvising in the absence of an oven. As the wings began to release oil, she carefully brushed their skin with honey, setting up two iron frames to roast them over an open flame. The flickering flames kissed the wings, causing the honey glaze to grow more radiant as the oil bubbled and splashed, meeting the heat with a sharp, sizzling sound. With each drop of oil that escaped, the skin of the wings turned a rich golden brown, and the savory aroma of the grilling meat grew ever more enticing. As the oil dripped, the firewood crackled, sending out brief flashes of bright red light. The slightly charred scent mingled with the sweet, fragrant chicken, filling the dining room and slowly drifting into the air.
The maids and eunuchs in the dining room swallowed their saliva and looked inside the kitchen curiously. In the past, there was no such fragrant smell when they roasted meat. What method was used this time?
Jiang Shuyao cooked all the chicken wings stuffed with rice that she brought over and put it into the plate. When she came, she thought that half of the baked chicken wings would be given to the imperial concubine, and the other half would be taken back. But now they are having a good time. It would be too much if she didn't share.
As I was thinking, a eunuch came over, "Mrs. Xie, Concubine Lin sent this servant to ask you if you have finished. When it is done, come over quickly."
Jiang Shuyao left with him.
Though she had yet to arrive, the tantalizing fragrance had already found its way into the noses of those gathered in conversation. Gradually, their voices faltered, drawn in by the alluring scent. It was a captivating aroma—fresh, sweet meat mingling with the smoky richness of charcoal and a medley of spices, each note blending into something irresistible. The fragrance grew more potent with every breath, a seductive call that no one could resist after just a few more sniffs.
While they were still thinking about what it was, Jiang Shuyao came in, followed by a eunuch carrying a plate.
Roasted chicken wings have a strong aroma, not to mention the chicken wings were quite big. It looked a bit rough, but when you look carefully, the chicken wings are still swelling with oil, and the corners are shrinking and glowing. The brownish-yellow color and the oily transparent luster on the surface make the brown-yellow honey-colored skin more delicious and attractive.
"This is... chicken wings?" The Queen was stunned. She had never eaten such a large whole chicken wing before. When she ate chicken, the kitchen would prepare a fine chicken fillet or minced chicken. How could the kitchen dare to put a large piece of chicken wings for her to chew?
"Exactly." Since the Queen was present, Concubine Lin could not enjoy it alone.
Jiang Shuyao motioned to the eunuch to bring the plate to the Queen.
"If the Queen doesn't dislike it, please try this chicken wings stuffed with glutinous rice."
The Queen was a dignified person and certainly not arrogant, but she was still worried when she looked at a whole chicken wing.
Concubine Lin inexplicably choked when she saw this, but she had sucked snails. She didn't care about eating other things. Isn't it just gnawing chicken wings? What a simple matter.
Jiang Shuyao noticed the Queen's mind and said, "This chicken wing has been deboned, and only the skin and flesh remain. The inside is stuffed with fried green peas and glutinous rice. You can eat it with chopsticks. The chicken inside is tender and juicy, and the glutinous rice in the innermost layer is full and soft and fragrant. A bite has both meat and rice. It is enjoyable."
Not to mention the Queen, even the surrounding ladies, who were suffocating, suddenly felt a little hungry when she said this.
Concubine Lin moved her chopsticks first. She indecently used the chopsticks to stab a chicken wing and took a bite at the chicken wing's tip. She was born beautiful. Even if she ate so indecently, she looked very pleasing to the eye.
When the Queen saw this, saliva suddenly appeared at the base of her tongue. She never liked oily meat, but at the moment, she was a little eager to move.
Concubine Lin took a small bite of chicken wings wrapped in rice. The skin of the chicken wings was brushed with honey and grilled thoroughly. The corners were a bit crispy. After she bit the skin, the fragrant meaty aroma immediately rushed out. The chicken wings' gravy and oily water are all roasted, but they are firmly entangled in the skin. At this moment, the juicy chicken was so soft and tender that it could be melted in the mouth without chewing.
The glutinous rice was firm, plump, and springy in the teeth. Chicken juice and oil penetrate into the glutinous rice. It had the fresh taste of green peas, the sweet fragrance of glutinous rice, and the thick and pure meat flavor. It was only a small bite, but it made people feel a kind of satisfaction and joy.
She placed the rice-wrapped chicken wings down, savoring the aroma that lingered on her palate. The tender meat and sticky rice melded together in perfect harmony, a delightful fusion of flavors. If she were alone, she would have eagerly picked up the chicken wings with her hands to relish every bite.
"Queen, my lady, do taste it quickly," Concubine Lin urged, her voice tinged with exasperation. Her niece was not only breathtakingly beautiful but also a culinary genius. Who could possibly compare to her? Who!
The Queen hesitated for a moment, but as soon as Concubine Lin began to persuade her, she fell silent.
Though far gentler than Concubine Lin, the Queen was equally astonished by the delicacy before her. The crispy crust, glazed with a honeyed sauce, offered a fresh sweetness with a hint of spice—a complex yet harmonious blend of flavors. With each bite, the rich gravy inside burst forth, incredibly savory and brimming with the essence of the chicken. There was no trace of any unpleasant odor, only the pure, natural flavor of the dish.
The skin was crispy, the chicken was tender, and the glutinous rice was chewy. It was just a small bite, but the taste was extremely rich.
She turned her gaze toward Jiang Shuyao, the surprise in her eyes impossible to mask.
The last time, she had simply thought the little girl was fond of sweets, her interest piqued by the grass jelly drink the crown prince had brought back. It seemed a touch whimsical, a small act of creativity. But now, she realized that the girl was not only clever and resourceful, but also possessed practical skills that left her in awe.
Just as her astonishment settled in, a eunuch's voice rang out from outside, "His Royal Highness is here—"
If you enjoyed Serena’s work, buy her a ko-fi! 