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To Hold One's Joy Chapter 45-1

 Chapter 45-1: Arrived at the Capital

Xiuyue diligently kneaded the noodles while Luosheng skillfully fried the minced meat. Kneading noodles is a skillful task, yet those who merely enjoy eating might not notice its intricacy. What captivated their attention was the mouthwatering aroma of the sizzling minced meat.

A large iron pot sat over the crackling fire, and the fatty pork belly (the minced meat) was stirred until it released its oils. Then, Luo Sheng added green onions, red pepper, and other seasonings, continuing to stir-fry. As the delightful fragrance wafted through the air, she sprinkled in the chili powder, intensifying the spicy aroma.

With each piece of pork belly now coated in a bright red layer of chili powder, Sheng Sanlang couldn't help but gulp. "Biaomei, it looks quite spicy."

Luo Sheng poured some vinegar and kept on stir-frying, remarking, "That's how it becomes delicious." Such a practical response rendered Sheng Sanlang speechless, yet he remained unwilling to leave. Instead, he squatted by the pot, eagerly watching the pot.

As Luo Sheng added water and covered the pot with its lid, concealing the sight of the red, oily pork belly slices, Sheng Sanlang couldn't resist asking again, "Biaomei, how much longer until it's ready to eat?" Luo Sheng, always patient when it came to cooking, explained gently, "It needs to boil for at least another two quarters.[1]"

The aroma wafted out through the gap in the pot lid, further arousing the hunger in their stomachs. While Luosheng boiled the minced meat in a deep-mouthed earthenware pot and prepared the sour soup, Xiuyue had already begun cutting the noodles.

Curiosity got the better of Sheng Sanlang once more. "Biaomei, why do you need to make broth?" he inquired.

Luo Sheng continued working swiftly, throwing the question back at him. "Biaoge, do you know the key to delicious saozi noodles?"

Sheng Sanlang shook his head. How could he know? All he was certain of was that anything made by Biaomei would undoubtedly be delicious.

Luo Sheng smiled, explaining, "To make the tastiest saozi noodles, the minced meat needs to be oily, the broth should be watery, and the noodles must be served hot. The broth cannot be the same as the one used to boil the noodles; it must be a new sour broth."

Sheng Sanlang smacked his lips, saying, "So there are so many intricacies to it."

Luo Sheng poured the simmered pork oil into the soup and said indifferently: "To excel in anything, you must dedicate extra care and effort."

Wei Han, who had remained silent all this time, looked at Luo Sheng when he heard those words. He then quietly shifted his gaze downward, fixing it on the pot of freshly boiled sour broth. It looked incredibly delicious.

At this moment, Xiuyue had already cooked the noodles, scooped them up, and put them into bowls. She topped them with the flavorful minced meat and drizzled them with the sour broth. A bowl of sour, spicy, and delicious saozi noodles was ready.

"Let's eat!" Hongdou exclaimed cheerfully.

Wei Han stared blankly at the bowls, silently counting: one, two, three... If he counted correctly, two bowls were less than those in their group.

As Sheng Sanlang and the others eagerly rushed to grab a bowl of saozi noodles and devour them, Wei Han grew quieter.

Shiyan couldn't help but say, "Miss Luo, why aren't there any for me and Wangye?" "Really?" Luo Sheng looked at Hongdou innocently.

Hongdou held the bowl and stared wide-eyed: "Didn't Wangye escort my Miss to the Capital in exchange for her gem-studded dagger? My Miss didn't hire him, so why should we treat you and Wangye to a meal?"

Shiyan was left speechless and couldn't help glancing at Wei Han. On the other hand, Wei Han kept his eyes lowered, his expression indifferent. This idiot, did he want him to step forward and argue just to get a bowl of saozi noodles?

But he still wanted to eat those noodles. If he couldn't have them now, he'd assign Shiyan the unpleasant task of cleaning the chamber pot when they returned to the Capital. And in future trips, he'd replace Shiyan with one of his brothers.

Shiyan secretly shivered at the thought. No, he had to find a way to make sure his Master got to eat these saozi noodles today. Otherwise, he'd end up cleaning the chamber pot. His chances of accompanying his Master on future trips would be taken over by his eldest brother, Shihuo, his second brother, Shitan, or his fourth brother, Shiyi[2].

The strong sense of urgency compelled the guard to speak up spontaneously, "We'll buy it from you!"

[1] Two quarters is usually about 30 minutes

[2] Wei Han's guard siblings' names are:

  • 石火 (Shí Huǒ) - Shihuo (First child with one "fire" character in the name)
  • 石炎 (Shí Yán) - Shitan (Second child with two "fire" characters in the name, I changed his name to Shitan to differentiate him from Shiyan)
  • 石焱 (Shí Yàn) - The guard in this chapter
  • 石燚 (Shí Yì) - Shiyi (Fourth child with four "fire" characters in the name)


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