Chapter 523: Chestnut Feast
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The villagers quickly returned with bowls, and Li Qingyu and Auntie Zhang carried a large basin filled with soybean paste to the hall, serving it to everyone.
Upon tasting, everyone was instantly impressed by the delicious flavor. The paste, with its fresh and spicy taste, was so appetizing that it could make one eat four more bowls of rice.
Sensing a business opportunity, such as the grandson of the village elder, Chu Haodong, discreetly approached Chu Qingzhi. “Sister Qingzhi, how about 1 help you procure soybeans?”
Chu Qingzhi, realizing the need for procurement at home, considered recruiting Chu Haodong.
The village elder had a good moral compass, and the children he raised were all of decent character. There were hardly any black sheep in the family, so it was worth trusting him.
Chu Qingzhi said, “Brother Haodong, I do need someone to help procure raw materials for our family. Would you like the job?”
How could Chu Haodong refuse? He couldn’t wait to work at Chu Qingzhi. The previous work wasn’t suitable for men, so he didn’t come. Now that he had this opportunity, he would be a fool if he didn’t seize it.
“I’m very much willing.” He patted his chest and said very responsibly, “Sister Qingzhi, no matter what it is, just tell me. I’ll definitely do it beautifully for you.”
Chu Qingzhi looked at the excited Chu Haodong and asked, “Can you read?”
Chu Haodong scratched his head and said in embarrassment, “Yes, Grandpa taught us. I even went to the school to study, but I didn’t stay there for long.”
Better still if he was literate.
“Wait here a moment.” Chu Qingzhi fetched a procurement list and handed it to Chu Haodong. “This is what we need right now. Can you manage it?”
Chu Haodong held the paper with both hands and looked at it carefully. “If 1 can have four helpers, it’s no problem.”
“Okay.” Chu Qingzhi finished cooking the soybean paste and let the aunties go home. She would continue in the afternoon, then took Chu Haodong to find Shen Ruyue.
Shen Ruyue was arranging for grapes to be stored in the cellar.
“Ruyue.”
“Here, Qingzhi.” Shen Ruyue had cut her hand, and Chu Junbao’s mother was bandaging it.
Seeing this, Chu Qingzhi quickly went to take over the bandaging. She looked at the wound and asked with concern, “Why is the cut so deep?” She secretly injected a trace of spiritual energy into the wound.
Shen Ruyue downplayed it, “Just an accident. It’ll heal in a couple of days.”
Chu Qingzhi said as she bandaged her wound, “Think about what to tell Big Brother.”
Everyone knew how much Chu Xuhua cherished Shen Ruyue. A cut on her finger would surely upset him.
Shen Ruyue joked, “Honesty is the best policy. I’ll tell the truth.” A kiss would definitely calm Xuhua down.
Chu Qingzhi chuckled, “Sounds like you’ve got a lot of experience.”
Shen Ruyue also laughed softly, “Your brother is firmly in my grasp.”
“It seems so.” Chu Qingzhi tied off the bandage, “There, all done. Keep it dry.” She handed Shen Ruyue a pair of gloves from her bag, “Wear these, don’t get hurt again.”
Shen Ruyue was touched and hugged Chu Qingzhi. Without Qingzhi, she would not have her current fulfilling life. Moreover, Qingzhi was still as good to her as ever. “Qingzhi, thank you.”
This thank you was laden with many emotions.
Chu Qingzhi patted her back gently, “You’re my sister-in-law now, part of the family. There’s no need for thanks.”
“I’ll remember your kindness.”
Returning to the main topic, Chu Qingzhi said, “Ruyue, Brother Haodong wants to help us with procuring raw materials. I’ve already agreed, and he needs four helpers.”
“Sure, I’ll take care of it soon,” Shen Ruyue replied formally.
“Okay.” Chu Qingzhi then turned to Chu Haodong, “Wait for Ruyue. She’ll be finished here soon and will take care of your matter.”
Chu Haodong nodded, “Thank you, Sister Qingzhi.”
“You’re welcome.” Chu Qingzhi headed out of the old house, planning to cook lunch at home. Having gathered so many chestnuts, she decided to prepare a chestnut feast.
As she was planning the menu in her mind, Tang Jinghong, along with Chu Qingyan and the little monk, approached from the workshop.
The little monk excitedly ran towards Chu Qingzhi, his face beaming, “Benefactor Chu, we’ve planted all the saplings.”
Chu Qingzhi patted his little bald head, “Well done.” As she spoke, she glanced at Tang Jinghong, who was in a black robe, his handsome face angular and his eyes sharp. He seemed like a sheathed sword, carrying a basket but still exuding an extraordinary aura.
“Have you finished planting already?”
“With everyone’s help, it was done quickly.”
“Thank you.” Chu Qingzhi said, “In the afternoon, could you help me give two rice dumplings to everyone?”
“Sure,” Tang Jinghong agreed.
Back at home, Chu Qingzhi busily started cooking, gradually bringing her chestnut feast to life.
For the unpeeled chestnuts, she made candied chestnuts and shared some with the aunties, keeping the rest for her family.
For the peeled chestnuts, she cooked chestnut braised chicken, chestnut braised pork ribs, chestnut braised pork, chestnut cakes, chestnut pie, and a sweet soup of lotus root and chestnuts.
She finished cooking just in time for noon.
Everyone returned home and immediately inhaled deeply, already hungry and now even more so after smelling the delicious aroma.
Wu Yaqing ran to the kitchen, excited, “Qingzhi, what delicious dish have you made?”
Chu Qingzhi turned around and pointed at the dishes on the table. “Look there!”
Wu Yaqing turned around and saw the dishes on the table. The admiration in her heart rose. “Qingzhi, why am I not a man? If I were a man, 1 would definitely marry you. I would marry you even if I had to go bankrupt.”
Hong Yujun walked in to help serve the dishes. She smiled and said, “Too bad, born a girl in this life.”
Wu Yaqing puffed her cheeks, feigning regret, “Yeah, what a pity that I missed such a good girl.”
Chu Qingzhi came over and patted Wu Yaqing’s shoulder, “Stop pretending, let’s serve the dishes and eat.”
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Part of the feast was for her own family, another part for Xiao Chen and his beggar crew, and the rest was saved for family members who weren’t home yet and would eat in the evening.
Chu Qingzhi had promised Xiao Chen and the others a meal, preparing a large pot of chestnut braised pork for them to eat in the old house’s main hall.
After serving the food, Chu Qingzhi also scooped them a bowl of soybean paste, “Eat up, rest a bit, and then continue working.”
Xiao Chen gratefully said, “Thank you, Miss Chu.”
Chu Qingzhi scooped another bowl of soybean paste to take back to her new house, placing it on the table, “Everyone, try this..”
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