Chapter 101-105

Chapter 101: Betting

As soon as he took a bite, a crisp "crackling" sound echoed in his mouth as his teeth bit through the golden, crispy skin of the tofu ball. The initial crunch gave way to an explosion of rich, savory flavors——the warm aroma of fried tofu, the subtle sweetness of carrot and white radish, and a hint of umami that coated his tongue. The delicate interplay of textures——crispy on the outside, soft and tender within——made each chew an indulgent experience.

Even after swallowing, the lingering aftertaste refused to fade, leaving behind a fragrant, mouthwatering sensation that seemed to call him back for more.

Before he even realized it, his hand had already reached for a second tofu ball.... Then a third.

By the time he picked up the fourth, he suddenly froze, his eyes widening in horror.

This is the City God Temple!

He was stealing food meant for the City God!

A cold sweat broke out on his back as the weight of his offense sank in. Hastily, he turned toward the temple hall, bowing repeatedly in every direction——the main hall, the offering table, even the kitchen doorway——muttering frantic apologies under his breath. He vowed solemnly that he would not take another tofu ball during the official meal, swearing his repentance before the gods.

Meanwhile, the kitchen remained a flurry of movement.

Once all the tofu balls were fried to a perfect golden brown, Xia Mingyue carefully scooped out the oil, pouring it into a jar to cool for future use. She left just enough oil in the pot to sauté chopped green onions and minced garlic, their rich aroma filling the air as they sizzled.

Then came the sliced tofu——golden-fried pieces tossed swiftly in the wok, absorbing the fragrance of the aromatics. Before the tofu could turn too dark, she poured in a generous amount of boiling water, sending up a cloud of savory steam.

As the broth simmered, she began layering in flavors——soy sauce for depth, five-spice powder for warmth, a touch of ground pepper for heat. Thinly sliced tofu was added next, followed by fresh spinach and leeks, their vibrant greens contrasting against the rich, amber broth. Finally, she drizzled in sweet potato starch paste, thickening the soup to a velvety consistency.

A pinch of salt for balance. A splash of balsamic vinegar for brightness. A finishing touch of fragrant sesame oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander.

Then, at last, she added the star of the dish——the golden, crispy tofu balls——allowing them to soak up the flavorful broth while still maintaining their delightful crunch.

Satisfied, she took a small sip. The flavors blended harmoniously, the taste exactly as she envisioned.

"Please invite the temple master," she instructed one of the attendants.

The temple master arrived swiftly, the enticing aroma hitting him even before he stepped into the kitchen. His previous worries melted away as he caught sight of the steaming pot of tofu balls soup, the vibrant colors and rich fragrance making his stomach tighten with anticipation.

This....

His eyes flickered in disbelief.

This looked even better than Chef Lai’s cooking!

The temple master shook his head and rejected this sudden rebellious thought. He also suppressed the urge to drink a large bowl of soup and said, "Madam Xia's cooking skills are really good. This tofu meatball soup is very good."

Grabbing a small bowl, he ladled himself a portion of soup, the steam curling up in delicate wisps. He brought the spoon to his lips, blowing gently before taking a cautious sip.

The moment the soup touched his tongue, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning.

The broth was incredibly rich, the deep umami of tofu blending seamlessly with the spices, the slight tang of vinegar elevating the entire dish. The tofu balls, now slightly softened by the soup, retained a perfect balance between crispy and tender.

An overwhelming urge swept over him——he wanted to drink the entire pot in one go.

But then he caught himself.

This was the meal of the City God!

He swallowed hard, forcing down his greed, and quickly straightened his posture.

"Madam Xia," he said, his voice filled with admiration, "your cooking skills are truly outstanding. This tofu meatball soup is exceptional."

Then, as if suddenly recalling his earlier doubts, he let out an awkward cough. "I must admit, I was worried before. I wasn't sure if you could handle such an important task. But clearly... I was worrying for nothing."

A faint blush of embarrassment crept up his face as he realized he had repeated himself. Why did he suddenly feel so tongue-tied? Was it because of the overwhelming taste of the soup? Had the flavors muddled his thoughts?

"Thank you for your kind words, temple master," Xia Mingyue replied humbly, bowing with grace.

Such a humble and polite attitude made the temple master have a better impression of Xia Mingyue. He saluted her again, then ordered someone to bring the bowls and plates that the City God usually used and serve meals to him.

One bowl and four plates.

A plate of fried large tofu slices, a plate of fried tofu balls, a plate of white tofu cut into squares, a plate of freshly steamed buns made from two kinds of flour, and a bowl of tofu balls soup.

The dishes were reverently carried by temple attendants and young acolytes to the offering hall, where they were placed before the grand statue of the City God.

A solemn ceremony followed——bowing, chanting, and the lighting of incense——an expression of gratitude and devotion.

As the ritual concluded, the time for the communal meal arrived.

People gathered eagerly, queuing up in an orderly line to receive their portions. Though the meal was given freely in the name of the City God, many believed that consuming it would bring blessings——protection from misfortune and prosperity for the coming year. They accepted their bowls with deep gratitude, offering respectful bows before departing to eat.

The tofu ball soup, now served in simple ceramic bowls, was a feast for the eyes.

Tender green spinach floated atop the rich, golden broth. Snow-white tofu squares contrasted beautifully against the deep amber hue of the soup. Crispy tofu slices gleamed invitingly, while the tofu balls——golden and slightly softened—peeked through, waiting to be savored.

One sip, and the flavors unfolded—earthy, fragrant, deeply satisfying. The contrast of textures, the perfect balance of seasoning——it was a dish that made both the body and spirit feel warm and fulfilled.

The volunteers who had worked tirelessly in the kitchen were among the last to receive their portions.

The man who had "stolen" the tofu balls earlier hesitated when he reached the serving station.

"Just the soup," he requested, avoiding the tofu balls entirely.

The server, surprised, chuckled. "That's rare! Everyone else wants more tofu balls, and here you are, refusing them!"

The man only smiled awkwardly.

It wasn’t that he didn’t like them——it was that he liked them too much.

He couldn't risk tempting himself again.

Meanwhile, those who had made bets on Xia Mingyue’s cooking skills had their answers.

It wasn’t that she was slightly better than Chef Lai.

It was that Chef Lai was leagues behind her.

Without a word, they retrieved their purses and, as promised, placed their coins on the offering table, fulfilling their wager.

Even Lou Shanzi, who had initially doubted Xia Mingyue, was thoroughly convinced. He counted out a hundred coins and solemnly presented them.

Then, to everyone’s surprise, he approached Xia Mingyue and gave her a deep, formal bow.

Startled, Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu paused mid-bite, staring at him.

"Please don’t take offense, Madam Xia," Lou Shanzi said sincerely. "I doubted your skills before and even bet against you. But after tasting your tofu balls soup, I see now that my judgment was wrong. Your cooking is truly exceptional."

He bowed once more, lower this time. "I apologize for my earlier words."

Xia Mingyue, still holding her half-eaten bun, quickly swallowed and waved a hand.

"You are too polite," she said with a smile. "It’s only natural to have doubts when you don’t know someone’s background. There’s no need to blame yourself."

Lou Shanzi straightened, smiling in relief. "Thank you for your generosity, Madam Xia."

With that, he joined the others in clearing the dishes, while Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu finally returned to enjoying their meal.

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Chapter 102: Regret

Xia Mingyue had worked tirelessly throughout the morning, her sleeves rolled up, hands constantly in motion as she assisted with cooking, cleaning, and organizing.

The person serving rice noticed her hard work and felt a surge of sympathy. With a generous hand, he scooped a heaping spoonful of thick, steaming rice into her bowl, ensuring it was packed with hearty grains. He even added an extra steamed bun, his way of showing appreciation.

Hunger gnawed at her stomach, sharp and insistent. Without hesitation, she picked up her chopsticks and ate with steady efficiency. The soft, warm bun complemented the rich flavors of the tofu, each bite satisfying yet making her crave more. Once her bowl was empty, she didn’t rest——she helped gather the used bowls and spoons, scrubbing them clean alongside the others who had volunteered their time.

As the final dish was put away and the kitchen restored to order, the temple master approached. He clasped his hands together in gratitude, his expression sincere.

"Thank you all for your kindness and hard work today," he said, bowing slightly to the gathered helpers.

Then, turning to Xia Mingyue, his voice took on a more solemn tone. "Madam Xia, today’s success is thanks to you. You and Madam Lu came to the temple to seek blessings and peace, yet you have given so much to the City God instead. Rest assured, the City God will remember your devotion." He smiled, reaching into his sleeve and retrieving two small cloth pouches embroidered with protective symbols. "These amulets have long been placed before the City God's altar and blessed through prayer. If you take them home and give them to your loved ones, they will surely bring protection and peace."

Xia Mingyue and Sister Lu exchanged glances, their hearts warmed by the gesture. They accepted the amulets with both hands, bowing deeply in thanks. "Thank you, Temple Priest," they said in unison, carefully tucking the charms away.

Before leaving, they spent a little more time at the altar, bowing deeply, whispering silent prayers of gratitude and hope. Then, with the scent of incense lingering in their hair, they departed for home.

Meanwhile, Lou Shanzi lingered behind, watching the temple grounds empty one by one. When the last of the helpers had departed, he turned down a quiet alley beside the temple. He walked with purpose, the soles of his shoes kicking up dust as he made his way to the most dilapidated house at the alley’s end. Pushing open the creaky wooden door, he stepped inside.

Beyond the crumbling courtyard, in a small, dimly lit room, Chef Lai reclined lazily on the kang, a clay cup of rice wine in his hand. He looked up as Lou Shanzi entered, setting his cup down with a faint clink.

"Well?" Chef Lai asked, his voice gruff. "Did you get your chance to show off your skills?"

Lou Shanzi hesitated, scratching his head awkwardly. "No," he admitted. "That Madam Xia is an incredible cook. The tofu balls soup she made today..., it was leagues beyond anything I've ever tasted. To be honest, Brother Lai, I think she’s better than you."

Chef Lai blinked. Then, to Lou Shanzi’s surprise, he let out a low chuckle. "Is that so? Well, there’s always someone better in this world. No shame in that." But despite his words, a flicker of frustration crossed his face.

He took another sip of wine before muttering, "I had hoped you’d use this opportunity to establish yourself at the temple. Once you built a reputation, you'd have been the first choice for cooking at banquets, weddings, and funerals. But now...." He exhaled sharply. "Looks like that opportunity slipped away. And to be bested by a young woman, no less. You really do have rotten luck."

Lou Shanzi smirked, undeterred. "Brother Lai, you’ve done so much for me since I came to Jinqiu County. If that’s bad luck, then I don’t mind having it."

Chef Lai rolled his eyes. "You always have a silver tongue."

"Actually," Lou Shanzi continued, "I heard that Yueran Restaurant is looking for kitchen help. I was thinking of trying my luck there."

Chef Lai sat up straighter. "Yueran Restaurant? Their head chef, surnamed Gao, is a difficult man. Arrogant, secretive——he won’t let you near a cooking spoon for three to five years. You’ll be stuck doing menial labor, and you'll never learn a thing."

"I know," Lou Shanzi said with a nod, "but at least it’s a restaurant. I’ll be in the kitchen, watching and learning. It’s better than drifting around with no job at all. Plus, they provide food and lodging. I won’t have to rely on you for every meal." He grinned. "Maybe I can even bring back some good wine for you."

Chef Lai sighed, rubbing his temples. "You’re not wrong, but you’re not completely right either. Let me think..., I know a man named Feng Dahai who works at Yueran as a vegetable cutter. I’ll invite him out for a drink, see if he can look out for you."

Lou Shanzi felt a rare warmth in his chest. "Thank you, Brother Lai."

Chef Lai waved him off. "Don’t thank me yet. You still have to prove yourself."

Back at home, Xia Mingyue carefully placed the amulet in a small wooden box, setting it atop the kang where Lu Qiyan had once slept. Her fingers traced the edges of the charm as she whispered a silent prayer.

Lu Qiyan is a good man. Please, let him return safely.

Far from Jinqiu County, over a hundred miles away, Lu Qiyan suddenly sneezed.

One of his soldiers chuckled. "That’s twice now, Captain. You catching a cold?"

Another soldier grinned. "No way——our captain is tough as steel. Someone must be thinking about him."

The first soldier nodded sagely. "The captain got married in spring, right? Bet his wife’s missing him so much she’s talking about him nonstop."

Lu Qiyan froze, an image flashing in his mind——a delicate face, as gentle and serene as a lotus. Xia Mingyue.

His mind drifted to her unwavering strength, her ability to remain composed no matter the situation. Most people compared women to duckweed, drifting wherever the current took them. But Xia Mingyue was different. She was like the resilient Selaginella, thriving even in the harshest conditions, always finding a way to take root.

Would someone like her truly think of him? A husband she barely knew?

His sharp gaze swept over his men. "Seems like you all have plenty of experience in romance."

His soldiers, who were all younger and single, immediately fell silent, looking anywhere but at their captain.

Lu Qiyan huffed a quiet laugh but said nothing more.

The battle still loomed ahead, and the siege had already dragged on longer than expected. The enemy’s defenses remained unyielding, and casualties mounted by the day. Some of the fallen had been his friends, comrades he had fought alongside for years.

Will I even have the chance to return?

The question lingered, but he pushed it aside. Now was not the time for distractions.

He tightened his grip on his weapon and turned his gaze back toward the battlefield.

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Chapter 103: Anger Him to Death

The weight of war pressed heavily on their hearts.

They had started as a team of fifty, but now, fewer than forty remained. Some had fallen in battle, others had been forced to retreat due to severe injuries. As Lu Qiyan scanned the weary faces of his men, a deep sadness welled within him. Yet he kept his voice steady, his posture firm.

"Don't worry," he said, his tone resolute. "I will bring you back safely."

The words carried a quiet, unshakable determination. He would do everything in his power to ensure their survival.

Lu Qiyan was not like some captains who barked orders from the rear, pushing their men into battle while claiming all the glory for themselves. No——he fought alongside them, his sword striking down enemies, his shield protecting those behind him. He led not through fear, but through example.

Because of this, his men respected him deeply. Even Zheng Sanfu, who had once been skeptical of Lu Qiyan’s leadership, had grown to admire him. Now, when Lu Qiyan spoke, they listened. When he charged, they followed.

Hearing his promise, the soldiers felt a little steadier. They nodded firmly, one after another.

"Yes!"

They had to believe in their own survival.

When the food, fodder and arrows in the city are all gone, that is the day the city will be broken.

Yet, even as they braced themselves, an uneasy silence settled over the camp. One soldier hesitated before voicing the fear that lurked in everyone’s minds.

"The captain is strong and kind to us, but this time...." His words trailed off, uncertainty thick in the air.

This time, the situation was far more dangerous than before.

They had been ordered to ambush reinforcements heading toward Changzhou Prefecture, cutting off the city’s supplies. Once the food, fodder, and arrows inside ran out, the city would fall. That was the plan.

But intelligence reports painted a grim picture——there were over 10,000 enemy reinforcements approaching from this direction, while their own forces numbered no more than 6,000.

A difficult battle loomed ahead....

Worse still, their battalion had been placed at the very front of the line.

At first glance, it might have seemed like a recognition of their strength and bravery. But those who knew the truth understood that this was not an honor——it was a death sentence!

Shao Dutou, their superior, had orchestrated this. He had specifically recommended Lu Qiyan’s brigade for the front line, yet he had conveniently reassigned another brigade to the rear. The intent was obvious——Lu Qiyan and his men were meant to bear the brunt of the assault, suffer heavy casualties, and weaken.

And if Lu Qiyan himself fell? That would be even better.

A low growl of anger spread through the ranks.

"What the hell is Shao Dutou thinking?" Someone spat.

"He’s scared," another soldier sneered. "Our captain is better than him, and he knows it. He’s afraid the higher-ups will notice and replace him. So, he’s trying to get rid of the competition——by using the enemy’s hands!"

The realization made their blood boil. They were soldiers. They didn’t fear dying for their country. But to be thrown into danger for someone else’s petty schemes? That was unbearable.

"That bastard!" Someone cursed. "Does he even see us as his men?!"

Their frustration mounted, fists clenching, weapons tightening in their grips. A few men looked ready to storm into Shao Dutou’s tent and demand justice.

But then, Lu Qiyan’s voice cut through the tension.

"Enough," he said, his deep voice carrying an undeniable authority. "Save your anger for the battlefield."

Silence fell.

He met their gazes, steady and firm.

"The only way to get revenge on those who wrong us," he continued, "is to fight well, survive, and return with honor."

A soldier exhaled sharply, nodding. "Captain’s right. If we live and kill more enemies, our achievements will be undeniable."

"Yeah," another chimed in, "Shao Dutou wants to see our captain fail? Let’s make sure he sees the opposite!"

A grin spread across one soldier’s face. "Let’s make him choke on his jealousy when the captain rises even higher!"

The mood shifted. Their anger, though still simmering, turned into determination. They would not be pawns in someone else’s game. They would fight on their own terms.

As they waited, they sharpened their weapons, polishing their blades until they gleamed under the dimming light.

Lu Qiyan used the time to go over the battle strategy. "We’ll move in teams of three," he instructed, drawing lines in the dirt to illustrate his plan. "Small groups supporting each other——defense and attack in balance. Stay alive through the first wave, and we’ll secure a path for the next squad."

The men nodded, absorbing every detail.

The sun crawled toward the horizon, painting the sky in hues of red and orange. As darkness settled, the camp fell into tense anticipation.

Then, the scouts returned with urgent news.

"The enemy is twenty miles away!"

The message spread swiftly through the ranks.

Torches flickered in the distance, the rhythmic pounding of hooves and marching footsteps growing louder. The air thickened with the scent of damp earth and steel.

The time had come.

A sharp whistle sliced through the night——!

Thud!

A tripwire snapped. Horses reared, their shrieks piercing the air as they crashed to the ground. Soldiers stumbled, chaos erupting in the enemy’s ranks.

Then——

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

A storm of arrows rained down, slicing through flesh and armor, cutting down soldiers before they could even react.

Now!

"Kill!" Lu Qiyan roared, charging forward with his sword raised high.

"Kill!" His men echoed, their voices rising in unison as they surged into battle.

The night exploded into chaos.

Swords clashed, shields splintered, and the ground became slick with blood. The wind howled through the battlefield, carrying the cries of the wounded and dying.

Far away, in the quiet of Jinqiu County, Xia Mingyue awoke with a start.

Her breathing was uneven as she blinked in the dim moonlight, her heart pounding.

For a moment, she didn’t know why she had woken up. But a strange unease settled over her, prickling at the edges of her mind.

She turned her gaze toward the kang where Lu Qiyan used to sleep.

Was he safe?

She stared at the empty space for a long time, before lying back down.

But sleep did not come easily.

The night stretched on, long and restless....

*****

The military system has varied significantly across different dynasties, often undergoing changes even within the same dynasty due to shifts in Imperial Leadership. According to records found in Song History: Military Records 9, the military hierarchy was structured as follows:

-Three soldiers formed a squad.

-Nine soldiers made up a squadron.

-Fifty soldiers constituted a battalion, each led by a team head, which served as the fundamental combat unit.

-Two battalions (100 soldiers) formed a du, commanded by a du head.

-Five du (500 soldiers) made up a larger battalion.

-Five battalions (2,500 soldiers) comprised an army.

-Ten armies (25,000 soldiers) formed a wing, the highest organizational unit in this system.

The highest-ranking officer above the battalion level was the commander.

This structure, with its clear and systematic organization, was both intuitive and efficient. Drawing from these historical records, the author has incorporated elements of this system into their writing to maintain historical authenticity and coherence.

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Chapter 104: Salted Duck

"Sister Xia, did you not sleep well last night?"

"I don't know why, but I woke up several times," Xia Mingyue replied, covering a small yawn with the back of her hand.

Jiang Zhuguo, ever observant, immediately took action. "Then I'll boil some hot water for you, Sister Xia, so you can wash up comfortably." She scooped water into the large pot with practiced ease, the ladle clanking softly against the metal.

As soon as Xia Mingyue splashed the warm water onto her face, a refreshing sensation spread across her skin, washing away some of the lingering drowsiness.

"That feels much better," she murmured, smiling at Jiang Zhuguo.

Just as she was finishing up, He Shunzi arrived at the usual time to collect the ice jelly.

"Dexinyuan sent word that they won’t be needing ice jelly after today," he said cheerfully. "I suppose since the weather is getting cooler, people aren’t craving cold treats as much anymore."

Xia Mingyue nodded. "That makes sense. We still have a good amount of false nightshade seeds left, but we can store them for next year."

Dexinyuan had made a substantial profit from selling ice jelly during the peak of summer, and Xia Mingyue was content with how things had turned out.

Just as they finished discussing the ice jelly, He Shunzi brought up another matter.

"I've inquired about the bamboo sticks you mentioned last time. They can be made easily, and the price is quite reasonable——just ten coins per bundle of a hundred sticks," he reported.

Xia Mingyue blinked in surprise. "That cheap?"

He Shunzi chuckled. "Bamboo is abundant and free, and the process is simple. The bamboo workers in the village use modified stripping knives——just fixing two blades to a frame and pulling the split bamboo strips through twice, and voilà——you have a bamboo stick. If a family works together, they can produce hundreds in a day."

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "If you’re thinking long-term, I can probably negotiate the price down to seven coins per bundle."

"That would be great." Xia Mingyue nodded. "I haven’t settled on the quantity yet, but once I do, I’ll let you know so you can place an order."

"Consider it done," He Shunzi said confidently. Then, after a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Madam Xia, have you thought about making mooncakes? It's already August."

Mooncakes?

If her zongzi had been such a success, could she make mooncakes just as well?

If Dexinyuan was willing to sell them, there was potential for a nice profit...!

Xia Mingyue thought for a moment, then smiled. "I haven’t made any plans yet, but even if I do make them, I likely won’t produce too many——just enough for family and friends."

"Then save some for me," He Shunzi said with a grin.

Xia Mingyue laughed. "Of course."

Pleased, He Shunzi left with his ice jelly.

Back in the kitchen, Jiang Zhuguo had already set the table for breakfast.

The meal was simple yet satisfying: boiled eggs, crisp cold cucumbers with bean curd, soft leavened pancakes, and warm corn paste.

As Xia Mingyue peeled her egg, she paused in surprise. The yolk inside was double!

"Sister Xia, you're lucky!" Jiang Zhuguo said with a smile. "This egg came from our chicken. I found it this morning and cooked it right away. I thought it was unusually big——turns out it was a double yolk!"

Double-yolk eggs were rare and considered a good omen.

"Then I hope today brings me good fortune," Xia Mingyue said with a laugh.

Her gaze drifted to the corner of the courtyard, where a chicken and a duck——both gifts from He Shunzi——were quietly nestled near Wu Jin’s resting spot. Unlike most poultry, which wandered around noisily, these two seemed to have fully accepted Wu Jin as their leader, never straying far from his side.

In fact, they had been so quiet and well-behaved that Xia Mingyue had almost forgotten about them.

...Until now....

Guilt pricked at her.

She had promised herself she would eventually cook them, yet here they were, still alive and unaware of their impending fate.

Taking a deep breath, she decided it was time.

Catching the duck wasn’t difficult. Wu Jin, ever the loyal guardian, barely raised his head as Xia Mingyue and Jiang Zhuguo plucked it from its resting spot.

With practiced efficiency, they slaughtered, plucked, and cleaned the duck.

Then came the seasoning.

Xia Mingyue stir-fried a mixture of salt, onion, cloves, bay leaves, peppercorns, ginger, and cinnamon until the aroma filled the kitchen. She rubbed the fragrant mixture thoroughly over the duck, ensuring every inch of skin and meat was coated, then stuffed the belly with more seasonings before wrapping it tightly in oil paper.

Finally, she lowered it into the well to marinate overnight.

The next day, as noon approached, Xia Mingyue retrieved the duck from the cool water. The skin was firm, the meat tender, and the color beautifully pale.

Now, it was time to cook it.

Maintaining the perfect heat was crucial. If the water boiled too vigorously, the duck would toughen; if it was too low, the flavors wouldn’t penetrate properly.

In modern times, precise temperature control was easy. But here, with only a firewood stove, she had to get creative.

She filled a pot with water, placed a small iron plate at the bottom, then set a casserole on top before submerging the duck. This method, essentially double-boiling, allowed for gentle and even cooking, keeping the meat tender.

When the duck was finally done and cooled, she carefully sliced it and arranged the pieces on a plate.

The first bite was heavenly.

The salt and spices had seeped deep into the flesh, enhancing the duck’s natural richness. The meat was succulent, perfectly seasoned, and needed no extra sauce.

The broth left from cooking the duck had transformed into a deep, flavorful old duck soup. Instead of wasting it, Xia Mingyue used it to blanch fresh vegetables, serving them alongside the duck.

The result was a well-balanced, satisfying meal.

Jiang Zhuguo gave an approving nod. "This is incredible, Sister Xia."

Sister Lu, who had never been fond of duck meat, was astonished. "I always thought duck meat was dry and stringy. People around here prefer chicken, but this..., this is delicious!"

She smacked her lips, already thinking ahead.

That afternoon, when she went to the market to buy ingredients for the stall, she made sure to bring back another duck.

It seemed salted duck was about to become a household favorite.

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Chapter 105: Hand-made Fish Balls

By the evening of the second day, the household once again indulged in the delectable salted duck. However, this time, the flavors were even more refined——Xia Mingyue had mastered the technique, adjusting the seasoning and marinating process to enhance the depth of taste. The skin was firmer, the aroma richer, and the meat even more tender and flavorful.

As everyone savored the meal, Jiang Zhuguo couldn't help but start contemplating whether she should buy a duck of her own.

Unlike before, she now had a stable income of 500 coins per month, and with her frugal habits, she didn’t need to send any of it home. There was little to spend on beyond necessities, so why not use some of it to treat everyone to a meal? After all, it didn’t feel right to let only Sister Xia and Sister Lu bear the cost of buying meat for the household.

Just as she was about to head to the market, an unexpected visitor arrived at their doorstep——the owner of the local grocery store.

Stepping into the courtyard with a wide grin, he greeted, “Madam Xia, the oil paper cups you requested are ready. Take a look and see if these match what you had in mind.”

Curious, Xia Mingyue took the item from his hands and examined it closely.

The cup stood about six inches tall, with a narrow base about the size of a palm and a slightly flared opening at the top. Its shape bore an uncanny resemblance to the popcorn buckets she had seen in her previous life. However, unlike modern paper cups, this one was crafted with a dual-layered design——the inner layer made of oil paper to prevent leaks and the outer layer composed of rough, fibrous paper, which added sturdiness. The coarse texture of the outer layer bore traces of straw and bamboo fragments, giving it a rustic charm.

“This is exactly what I wanted!” Xia Mingyue exclaimed, pleased with the craftsmanship. But after a moment, a thought struck her, and she hesitantly asked, “How much do they cost?”

The boss sighed. “To be honest, the price isn’t cheap——three coins per cup.”

Xia Mingyue frowned slightly. The materials themselves weren’t costly, but the process of bonding the layers together required a substantial amount of glue. Additionally, there would be material loss and labor costs, all of which contributed to the final price.

Still, three coins per cup was within her budget. She schooled her expression into one of mild reluctance and said, “That’s a bit expensive. If I order in bulk, could you give me a discount?”

The boss immediately nodded. “Of course! The more you order, the cheaper it can be. At the very least, we’ll throw in some extras for you.”

“That’s good to hear. For now, I’ll take a batch of one hundred and see how they work out. Once I confirm the demand, I’ll place a larger order.”

“No problem at all!” The boss grinned, pleased with the deal. “I’ll have them ready for delivery soon. You can pay when you receive them.”

After sending off the grocery store owner, Xia Mingyue finally let out a sigh of relief.

The bamboo skewers were secured, the oil paper cups were in production, and all the necessary seasonings were ready. Now, the only thing left was to expand the menu for her cold pot skewers.

Vegetarian options were easy—seasonal vegetables were abundant. Tofu-based items like bean curd sheets and vegetarian chicken slices were also readily available. Dried black fungus and fresh mushroom cubes would add variety, and she could even include gluten blocks that had been prepped in advance.

However, the meat selection was rather limited. So far, she only had tenderloin and pork belly slices, which lacked novelty. If she wanted her cold pot skewers to stand out, she needed something unique——a signature dish that would draw customers in.

After some thought, she decided on fish balls.

Grass carp was an excellent choice——it was inexpensive, had a mild, tender flesh, and was popular in local cuisine. With a plan in mind, she turned to Jiang Zhuguo.

“Go to the market and pick up two fresh grass carps. Choose ones that are plump and lively.”

Without hesitation, Jiang Zhuguo grabbed a basket and hurried off. Jinqiu County was fortunate to have a river to the south, where many locals fished and even raised fish in private ponds. Vendors often sold carp, crucian carp, and grass carp in the marketplace, making it easy to find what they needed.

After carefully selecting two large, fresh grass carps, Jiang Zhuguo returned home.

Once receiving the fish, Xia Mingyue immediately got to work.

She first scaled and gutted the fish, removing the gills and cleaning the flesh thoroughly. Then, using a sharp knife, she carefully sliced the meat from the bones, starting at the tail and working her way up.

Placing the fillets on the chopping board, she used the back of the knife to gently pound the flesh before scraping off the fish paste. Once all the meat was collected, she mixed it with egg white and filtered it through gauze, ensuring that no tiny bones remained.

Scrape the scales, remove the gills, and remove the internal organs....

To season the fish paste, she added salt, ground white pepper, and a fragrant liquid infused with green onions and ginger. A bit of sweet potato starch was incorporated to enhance the texture, and she stirred the mixture in one direction until it became firm and elastic.

Satisfied with the consistency, she began shaping the paste into fish balls. Squeezing them through her hand, she dropped each ball into a pot of cold water. Once all the fish balls were in, she slowly brought the water to a boil. When they floated to the surface, she transferred them to a cold water bath, preserving their smooth, bouncy texture.

Now, it was time to decide how to serve them.

She opted for two methods:

Fish Ball Skewers – Skewering the fish balls and soaking them in her signature spicy sauce, infusing them with bold flavors.

Fish Ball Soup – Using the leftover fish bones, head, and tail, she simmered a rich broth. Once the soup was ready, she added the fish balls, creating a light, flavorful dish.

When the dishes were ready, Xia Mingyue called everyone to the table——Jiang Zhuguo, the Zhao family, Sister Zhou, and Sister Song.

The first bite of the fish balls revealed their perfect texture——bouncy yet tender, bursting with umami flavor.

The fish ball skewers were coated in a spicy, fragrant sauce that clung to the surface, enhancing the delicate taste of the fish. The heat built gradually, leaving a satisfying tingle on the tongue. It was addictive——one bite led to another, and another.

The fish ball soup, on the other hand, was comforting and mild. The broth carried a rich depth from the fish bones, enveloping the soft fish balls in warmth. Every sip was like a soothing embrace, making it impossible to stop at just one bowl.

As the meal continued, everyone found themselves facing a dilemma.

Both dishes were exceptional.

Finally, Sister Lu wiped her mouth and hesitated before saying, “Sister Mingyue, we really can’t choose. Both dishes are too delicious!”

The others nodded in agreement, looking troubled. They knew Xia Mingyue had asked them to taste the food to decide which one to sell, but how could they possibly pick just one?

Xia Mingyue chuckled, pleased with their reactions. “That’s perfect, then. If both are delicious, then let's sell both!”