Chapter 241: Crayfish
Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations
Since they were sure that it could be eaten, the villagers did not persuade them anymore. Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said, “In the future, can you catch the green prawns in your fields when you collect rice? My family will collect them for five copper coins per 500 grams!”
Not to mention five copper coins, even if it was three copper coins or two copper coins, the villagers were willing to take on this job. After all, they got it for free. They only collect them when they harvest the rice. Speaking of which, it was just an extra trip. After thinking it through, the villagers were embarrassed. “We’re all villagers. You make us feel like we’re taking advantage of your family.”
Xiaoxiao waved her hand generously. “Don’t say that. I can’t let everyone help for nothing. Besides, if I make this thing especially delicious, I might have to order in large quantities later. At that time, the price will increase. Otherwise, our family will take advantage of everyone.”
Aiyo, from the sound of it, the Ning Family girl was quite confident? They chuckled and did not take it seriously. They watched as the Ning Family worked hard. They drained the rice field and caught the green prawns. They walked into the field again and the green prawns were gone in the morning.
The sun was good at noon and it was just nice to dry the soil. There were not many days left after the rainy season to have such good weather.
Actually, Xiaoxiao had asked County Magistrate Shen and found out that it was only during the sunny days that they suggested harvesting the rice earlier.
Ning Fengnian also felt that his rice grew faster than others, so he agreed after confirming it.
With the weather, the rice could be harvested in less than 10 days. He estimated and said to Madam Song uncertainly, “Why do I feel that our harvest is much higher than what we expected?”
Madam Song did not suspect anything and continued, “Perhaps you took good care of it?”
How could the farmer withstand such praise? He immediately chuckled and showed off their love to his children. The husband and wife returned home together.
The corners of Ning Anhui’s eyes twitched as he asked Xiaoxiao, “When you say ■good people’, are you referring to the bandits who were captured at our house previously?”
Xiaoxiao nodded kindly. Big Brother had long sensed that something was wrong, but Second Brother believed her completely.
Fortunately, her brother did not ask her. Teacher Chen had given him a lot of homework these few days to enrich his extracurricular life. He did not have the energy to care about anything else at all. Recently, her big brother had been walking as if he was floating. His mouth was only talking about the laws of Great Xia. He was pitiful.
Xiaoxiao decided to make more delicious nourishment for him, such as crayfish.
There were many people in the family, so there were many flavors that she could make. Xiaoxiao was rich with crayfish that she had caught from the fields, so she secretly exchanged for some from the space. The two big pots in the new kitchen were full, and even the steamer was not idle. She chopped garlic with one hand and cut chili with the other. She could even mix a flavor plate from time to time and add a handful of peppercorns to the pot. She was especially busy.
When the villagers who came to help build the house saw this, they could not help but have other thoughts.
“Qiuniang, your Xiaoxiao will be 13 next year, right?
Madam Song nodded and smiled especially gently. “Yes, she became a big girl in the blink of an eye. She’s the most capable person in the entire family now.” The auntie looked around and leaned over to lower her voice. “Are you talking about marriage yet?”
This auntie had a good personality and often washed clothes and dug wild vegetables with Madam Song. Now that she also remembered not to affect Xiaoxiao’s reputation, she whispered to Madam Song. Hence, Madam Song replied good-naturedly, “Not yet. You know what happened at home previously. Besides, she’s still young.”
The auntie did not mention the “big girl” she had mentioned just now. She only said, “Your daughter is a good person. She’s good-looking, smart, and has a good heart. Her family has become rich, but she keeps thinking of ways to help the village. I reckon that when she grows up in the future, people proposing marriage will break your house’s threshold.”
She leaned closer and whispered into Madam Song’s ear, “Qiuniang, can you let my nephew queue up first? My nephew is 16 years old this year and is three years older than your girl. He’s not too old and knows how to dote on people. Although he hasn’t studied much, he learned craftsmanship from a carpenter. He can endure hardships and is honest…”
Madam Song glanced at Xiaoxiao again and sighed with emotion. Back then, that girl was so soft that she even cried softly. Now, it was time to talk about marriage.
“There’s no hurry. We’ll see in two years.”
The auntie did not rush them. She nodded and the two of them pretended that nothing had happened and continued with their work.
At this moment, a fragrance that no one could refuse surged out of the kitchen. The villagers who were helping couldn’t help but sniff. Their eyes couldn’t help but look over.
The sound of the spatulas colliding seemed to have suddenly become loud and clear, knocking on their ears. Seeing this, Madam Song stood up in amusement and pride. She walked to the kitchen door and asked, “How is it?”
Xiaoxiao sucked the freshly peeled prawns into her mouth and puffed up her cheeks as she gave her a thumbs up. Madam Song looked at the dozen or so pots of covered vegetables on the table in the room and shouted, “Everyone, stop working. Let’s rest for a meal. My daughter is cooking today.” The Ning Family did not have many people, but there were more than 10 people helping them. Hence, everyone usually brought their own food. It was rare for Xiaoxiao to be at home today and cook personally. The villagers, who were already curious about her skills, did not need any further prompting. They went to get water and washed their hands one by one.
The women who came to help went to the kitchen to take out the dishes that Xiaoxiao had prepared.
The farmers’ meal plan was affordable and convenient. They were not particular about small dishes like rich people. They only felt that no matter how good-looking those things were, they would not be able to fill their stomachs. Hence, when Xiaoxiao cooked for them, the dishes were all big bowls and iron basins.
The lids were lifted one by one. The hearty sauce, bone, and braised pork almost made the villagers embarrassed to move their chopsticks. Of course, they were only a little embarrassed at the start. No one was embarrassed when it was time to eat. After all, it was not New Year’s Eve. No one would eat meat every day.
Generally speaking, when someone built a house in the village, they would invite their neighbors and families to help. Then, they would look at the situation of the owners. Those who were richer would give them a salary. Those with tougher conditions would give them a piece of meat and a basket of eggs. Then, they would treat everyone to a meal with meat and fish. No one would say anything.
There was also a variation for this meat. From meat chunk to minced meat, anything was possible. However, it was really the first time that someone directly served an entire piece of braised pork and the entire rack of ribs to the table as if they were free like the Ning Family. They even let everyone eat freely.
The villagers accidentally ate too much and only realized that their table manners were shocking when they saw the bottom of the bowl. They thought that they were going to be laughed at, but they heard Madam Song ask with a smile, “Do you want to add more? It’s all physical work. How can you have strength if you’re not full?”
The Ning Family was really kind, but they really couldn’t eat anymore. They were mainly embarrassed to continue eating.
Xiaoxiao brought out the crayfish under such circumstances.
Considering that the ancient people of this era were not familiar with the crayfish, she removed the inedible shrimp heads, shrimp cheeks, shrimp stomachs, and shrimp intestines before making the shrimp.
Hence, all they needed to do now was to peel off the shell and start eating.
Old Madam Ning, who was carrying her clothes outside, smelled the fragrance and looked into the house. Coincidentally, an auntie who had a grudge against her saw her. “Aiyo, I was wondering who was peeking here. So it’s Sister Liu. Why? There’s no food or meat at home.. Are you here to borrow from your stepson?”
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