by N/A
Ch. 068.2 – Ji Liu Xia's Engagement (2)
Ji Liu Xia's Engagement (2)
T/N: The long awaited food porn chapter; I'm so happy and hungry at same time.
"Silver has followed me for many years. At the time, in Du village, behind the village was a range of mountains. He often went into the mountains to play. In the past, when we were very poor, Silver even brought back quite a few wild animals for us. He's very smart. Before coming to the capital, I once thought about releasing him back into the mountains, but he wasn't willing to go no matter what. Thus, I brought him and Gold over together." As soon as Du Xiao Li began talking about Silver, she felt she had endless things to say.
However, what she didn't say was that since coming to this world, Silver was the one that spent the most time with her. The feelings between them already weren't as simple as owner and pet.
"Hearing you talk makes me really want to meet Silver and Gold!" Meng Jiang Zhuo placed her hand before her chest, carrying an expectant look.
"Right now, Silver and them should be inside the fenced area. Once they've played enough, they'll come back." Du Xiao Li said, "Let's go see how the preparations for the dishes for this afternoon are doing, because I didn't bring any servant girls today, we'll have to take care of it ourselves."
"Ah? Want us to do it?" Ji Liu Xia heard Du Xiao Li's words and called out, "I don't know how to do anything! I'll definitely burn down your kitchen."
"Pfft---" Everyone all were amused by Ji Liu Xia's reaction.
"Although we all know your abilities to burn down the kitchen, you still don't need to say it out loud." A voice carrying laughter came through. Everyone all turned around and saw Han Ming Yi and Han Ming Xiang having already entered the courtyard. Next to them, aside from Ji Liu Feng, there was also a man around the same age as Han Ming Yi. Other than that, it was just the seven Leng brothers.
As for the words just now, they were spoken by Han Ming Xiang, who was very close with Ji Liu Xia.
"Greetings Ding Wang, Xian Wang, Princess Changle." Meng Jiang Zhuo and them quickly went up and bowed.
"You're excused." Xian Wang, Han Ming Yuan, slightly lifted the fan in hand. Afterwards, he looked to Du Xiao Li and said, "So this is my future sister-in-law?"
Du Xiao Li didn't know how to respond to this, so she just smiled and diverted the topic, "I'll go see how the preparation in the kitchen is going. You all don't need me around, right?"
"Little sister-in-law, I heard Leng Er and them say your cooking is comparable to the imperial chefs, thus I thickened my skin and came over to freeload a meal. You won't mind, right?" Han Ming Yuan swiftly flipped his fan open and said with a smile.
Du Xiao Li looked to his fan, unable to tell the material. Should be his everyday weapon, similar use to Ji Liu Feng's fan. And his fully white clothes, although were somewhat similar to Han Ming Yi's, it instead carried a hint of the pugilistic world, appearing rather carefree.
Han Ming Yuan originally was out traveling the world, but Han Ming Ze sent him a message, requesting him to return this mid-autumn, because this year's mid-autumn banquet will also be the celebratory banquet for Han Ming Yi and them. Having no choice, he could only return. However, perhaps because he'd gotten used to flipping over walls outside, when he went to Ding Wang Manor, he also entered by flipping over the wall. As soon as he entered, he just heard Leng Er and them mention today's gathering, and also how delicious Du Xiao Li's cooking was and such, letting him instantly become interested in today's gathering, and roared at Han Ming Yi to bring him along.
(T/N: Xian Wang just appeared and I like him already)
"Xian Wang is joking, for Xian Wang to be able to come, it is Xiao Li's honor." Du Xiao Li also very much admired Han Ming Yuan's personality of not loving power, instead loving freedom. This wasn't something many people could achieve.
"Xiao Li, we'll go together with you then." Meng Jiang Zhuo said.
"Ah? We really have to cook? Can I not go?" Ji Liu Xia miserably called out.
"I'm just having you all go see if there's anything you can do, such as pick the vegetables and whatnot. You burning down the General Manor's kitchen, I've also heard of, how could I dare let you prepare the meals." Du Xiao Li said with a laugh.
"Ah, as long as you're not letting me cook, it's all good." Ji Liu Xia said.
"You should also properly learn from the servant girls. So that when you marry, you can also use this to keep a hold on your husband's stomach! Else, with you not knowing this and that, what will you do when you get kicked back by your husband's family!" Ji Liu Feng completely didn't leave any face for his younger sister.
"Hmph, then I'll burn down their family's kitchen first!" Ji Liu Xia stormed off, however towards Ji Liu Feng's words, she was rather unconcerned.
Du Xiao Li let someone go have Du Xiu Heng called over, letting him take care of Han Ming Yi and them. Afterwards, she lead Meng Jiang Zhuo and the others to the kitchen.
"I'll also go help." Han Ming Xiang said and followed after them. She also wanted to witness Du Xiao Li's culinary skills.
"Ding Wang, Xian Wang, General Ji, let's go inside." Du Xiu Heng waved his hand towards Hang Ming Yi and them.
"You all go help too." Han Ming Yi ordered Leng Er and them.
"Yes." Leng Er and Leng San received the order and went after Du Xiao Li and them, leaving behind the others to protect Han Ming Yi. However, as soon as Leng Er and them went, they got kicked out by Du Xiao Li, saying she didn't need their help.
"Xiao Li, what are we eating today?" Meng Jiang Zhuo has never entered the kitchen to cook before, so seeing the spacious kitchen filled with vegetables and meats, she completely didn't know what she can do to help.
(T/N: Tbh I laughed a little at MC inviting them for dinner but make them help out, all just to set up her show off her cooking skills. MC's skill of catching unsuspecting free laborers have upped.)
"Actually, I just wanted to let you all feel the joy of cooking yourself. You all can just wash these vegetables and sort them." Du Xiao Li said, "Those meat just let Xia Yuan and them prepare."
"If it's just washing vegetables, we're still able to manage." Fu Ya Lan said. In the past, when she lived in the nunnery, she also had helped out the chefs in the nunnery.
"Alright, let's begin then." Du Xiao Li said, and then had those ingredients divided into categories for them to wash, while she herself began processing.
Today, she'd planned on making Sichuan cuisine. The main dishes were spicy pork fillet, twice cook pork, sauerkraut fish, yuxiang pork strips, kung pao diced chicken, steamed beef in rice flour, taro roast duck, mapo tofu, couple's beef slice, and so on. Because these dishes were all rather spicy, she also prepared some light flavored dishes.
(T/N: Pictures in order as listed; Sichuan cuisine is famously known for being spicy, your translator Jen nearly died in Sichuan once from the spiciness, legit ended up in the hospital from indigestion.)
(Spicy Pork Fillet)
(Twice Cook Pork)
(Sauerkraut Fish)
(Yuxiang Pork Strips - yuxiang is seasoning of Chinese cuisine that typically contains garlic, scallions, ginger, sugar, salt, chili peppers etc, but no seafood, although yuxiang literally means 'fish fragrance'.)
(Kung Pao Diced Chicken)
(Steamed Beef in Rice Flour)
(Taro Roast Duck)
(Mapo Tofu)
(Couple's Beef Slice - Sliced beef and ox organs in chili sauce served cold)
"I'm already drooling from just hearing the names." Ji Liu Xia said.
"Indeed, it really makes one's appetite greatly open up." Han Ming Xiang nodded.
"Then later you all better eat lots." Du Xiao Li said with a smile.
"Miss, the blacksmith shop has already sent over the grill and such just now." Qiao Zhu's grandpa, that old beggar, now called old Qi(beg), came to the kitchen and reported to Du Xiao Li.
"I understand. You go and help out in the front then." Du Xiao Li said with a nod.
"Use for making good food." Du Xiao Li also didn't explain, deliberately suspending her appetite.
"Aiyaa, Xiao Li, just tell me." Ji Liu Xia came to Du Xiao Li's side and said.
"Just wait, when the food comes out, you'll know." Du Xiao Li used her elbow to push Ji Liu Xia, pushing her away from her side.
"We'll eat it in the afternoon?" Meng Jiang Zhuo asked.
"No, that's for tonight." Du Xiao Li said. Tonight, she was planning on letting everyone barbecue meat themselves. Right now, if she were to just tell them, then by nighttime, it won't be a surprise.
"Really know how to keep people in suspense." Ji Liu Xia stuck her tongue out at Du Xiao Li, and then went back to continue washing the vegetables.
"Liu Xia, this won't do. When the time comes and you marry into the Qu family, don't know if gentleman Qu will be able to accept this childish nature of yours." Meng Jiang Zhuo said.
T/N: Did I ever mention that I always feel Meng Jiang Zhuo and her brother, Meng Jiang Xin's, name should be swapped. Her names sounds more common for a boy's name for the time period, while his name is more feminine too. Zhuo means outstanding, while Xin means heart. Also anyone curious about the other characters names? I'll add to the TN of next chapter.
Ch. 068.3 – Ji Liu Xia's Engagement (3)
Ji Liu Xia's Engagement (3)
T/N: Chapter (11/12) sponsored by Madam Daim!
"Gentleman Qu? Big sister Liu Xia is already engaged?" The meat chopping knife in Du Xiao Li's hand halted, as Du Xiao Li looked to them and asked.
"Naturally." Fu Ya Lan said, "Soon, she'll be fifteen, so of course she'll be of marriageable age. Previously, before Great General went out to war, he'd already arranged a marriage for her, and the other party is Gentleman Qu. Right now, just waiting for Liu Xia's coming of age ceremony and then complete the marriage!"
"I don't want to marry that bookworm!" As soon as Ji Liu Xia recalled that Qu Yi, she couldn't help but want to complain. That completely wasn't the type she liked!
Du Xiao Li had heard, Qu Yi's grandmother was once a member of the imperial family, and his father also occupied a high position, just he was a literary official without any real power. That's why, when it comes to family status and what not, they were comparable with the General's Manor.
Recalling them saying that Ji Lun arranged the marriage for Ji Liu Xia prior to leaving for war, she also felt a wave of lament inside. He most likely was afraid that he and Ji Liu Feng might die in battle, thus tried to find someone to rely on for her. That way, even if something happened to them, Ji Liu Xia won't be too miserable.
"Even if you don't want to marry, you still have to marry. The betrothal gift has already been received, don't tell me you can still go back on it?" Meng Jiang Zhuo playfully smiled.
"Has the wedding date already been set?" Du Xiao Li asked.
(T/N: I'm speechless---MC throws tantrum about her own engagement being against her will; what's that good friend engaged to someone they don't like, hahah congratulations, not my problem.)
"En, already set, at the beginning of next year." Fu Ya Lan said.
"Haha, then the good matter isn't far away!"
"Right."
"Hmph, you all are all older than me, it'll be your turn soon!" Getting teased by everyone, Ji Liu Xia was somewhat embarrassed.
"That's right, should be soon. Just, don't know where one's good match is at." Han Ming Xiang somewhat disappointedly said.
Among the five of them, her age was the oldest. Already sixteen, but still haven't encountered someone that could move her heart. This marriage also still hasn't been settled. Recalling some of her older sisters' fate, she seemingly saw her own future.
"Princess, you will encounter your other half of the circle." Du Xiao Li looked to Han Ming Xiang and said.
"Other half of the circle?" Everyone all looked to Du Xiao Li.
"Some elders say, you and your other half are a circle, only by encountering the right person, can you finally became a full pair." Du Xiao Li said.
"Unfortunately, we all don't have the chance to encounter our other half." Fu Ya Lan faintly said.
"That's right, our marriage simply isn't something we have any say in." Meng Jiang Zhuo's mood also dropped.
Seeing everyone all of a sudden become somewhat sad, Du Xiao Li wanted to say something like 'to grasp fate in their own hands', yet realized that these words, in this time period, were the most powerless of words. She swung a few times the knife in hand and said, "Alright, no matter how everyone's life in the future will be, right now we're still together at least, and still enjoying our beautiful youth. Today is my first time inviting everyone for a gathering, don't all just stand around frowning. Else, my mood will also be down, and add a spoonful of salt, salt you all to death! Let you all turn into water buckets this afternoon."
"Pfft---"
Meng Jiang Zhuo and them all were amused by Du Xiao Li's words and bursted into laughter. "En, no matter what the future will be like, at least we all still have each other!"
"That's right, in the future, no matter what, we'll all have each other! We'll forever stand by each other!" Ji Liu Xia also said with a smile.
"En." Fu Ya Lan heavily nodded her head, and even Han Ming Xiang also vowed as well.
Seeing them no longer depressed, Du Xiao Li finally began concentrating on chopping meat again. That adept chopping technique made Ji Liu Xia and them all stupefied from watching. Even afterwards when they finished washing all the vegetables, they still didn't leave, circling around to watch Du Xiao Li cook.
"Xiao Li, if you go open a restaurant with your skills, you'll definitely be able to out compete Feng Xue Lou." Ji Liu Xia and them each held a pair of chopsticks, tasting the dishes Du Xiao Li made, all praising to the high heavens.
'Feng Xue Lou's chefs were all brought up by me!' Du Xiao Li thought to herself.
"No wonder my brother said the things you make were delicious, still remembering your cooking from that time after all these years. If it was me, this kind of delicious flavor, I wouldn't forget either!" Ji Liu Xia picked up a marinated chicken feet, and said after finishing it.
"Even the imperial chefs might not necessarily be able to compare with Xiao Li's cooking skills." Han Ming Xiang very elegantly picked up a chicken feet and took two bites.
"So you all were hiding in the kitchen to secretly eat!" Just when everyone was joyfully gnawing on chicken feet, a person who came following the delicious scent appeared.
"Eh, Xian Wang, what are you doing here?" Du Xiao Li, while holding a spatula in hand, looked to the person that suddenly appeared and asked.
"I came out for a stroll, and smelling the fragrance, thus came over. But never thought that I would see you all, these reputable young ladies of the capital, actually secretly eating in the kitchen. Tsk tsk, don't know how it will affect your reputation if it gets out." Han Ming Yuan flipped open his fan with a swoosh, "However, if you all come bribe me, I'll just have to keep the secret for you."
Sweat--
Everyone all felt there were three black lines dropping from the back of their heads. The bribe Han Ming Yuan mentioned, needless to say, everyone all knew.
Sure enough, Han Ming Yuan directly went to wash his hands, and then came over, picking up a marinated chicken feet and saying: "Dragging me down into the water, you all won't need to worry about me spreading rumors. En, flavor is really good!"
"Imperial brother....." Han Ming Xiang used her other hand to cover her eyes, seemingly unable to look at him directly.
At noon, Xia Yuan and them had Du Xiao Li's dishes carried to the dinning hall. Once everything was all set, they went to the reception room to call Han Ming Yi and them over to eat. Of course, the servants and guards' table were in another room.
When everyone saw the delicious meal on the table, all couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, and once they had a taste, each and everyone almost swallowed their tongues.
Those who couldn't handle the spice, downed water as their tears and snot streamed down, but their chopsticks still continued to send food into their mouths. Then, with the addition of grape wine, this meal, everyone all didn't have any moderation, eating carefreely.
After eating the afternoon meal, everyone all didn't go rest, because Du Xiao Li then took out a new plaything for everyone to play.
"What's this?" Han Ming Yuan curiously asked as he looked to the little square table placed in the lounge, and displayed on there were these little blocks.
"This is called mahjong, it's a kind of game played with three or more people." Du Xiao Li sat down and said, "You all come sit down, I'll tell you all how to play."
Everyone all sat down. In the room, there were three sets of mahjong prepared, letting them all be able to play.
"This actually is also a type of gambling." Du Xiao Li said, "First, let's get familiar with what this mahjong is. Mahjong altogether is divided into three suits. Each one has one to nine, nine total digits. Each digit is four tiles, so altogether there's 108 pieces. The game rules are relatively simple, yet also full of twists and turns......"
Du Xiao Li was referring to her past life's Sichuan Mahjong. It only had one to nine, and didn't have red middle(), blank, east(), west(), north(), and south(), these tiles.
T/N: After getting free laborers, MC gonna teach them to gamble away all their possessions to her.
Ch. 068.4 – Ji Liu Xia's Engagement (4)
Ji Liu Xia's Engagement (4)
T/N: Chapter (12/12) sponsored by Madam Daim!
After Du Xiao Li's explanation, everyone very quickly understood how to play mahjong, with each and every one beginning to play mahjong in high spirits. At first, because they weren't familiar, there would often be a flower hand*, causing quite a bit of laughter.