Goldfield

Goldfield
Chapter 146: Imperial Envoy


The imperial envoy was not too interested in this and replied weakly, “What kind of delicious food can one buy with one copper coin? This rumor sounds a bit exaggerated. ”


The supervisor had eaten the boiled food of the Yu Family before. Although he thought it was quite tasty, he did not have the guts to foolishly reprimand the imperial envoy. He smiled flatly, “Master is right! In addition, the food is made from pork head meat, pork offal, pig blood, and other materials that no one else can touch. With your noble status, you will really underestimate this meal! ”


“You can't say something like that!” The imperial envoy rubbed a short beard under his chin, and his eyes became foggy. He seems to be remembering his past.


The silence lasted a long time before he finally continued, “In those days, I along with my master defended the border from our enemies. We have been surrounded by them for more than ten days. We eat not only tree bark and grass, but also dirt! I remember one time, when the situation got really bad and people were at their limits, I infiltrated the enemy camp with my martial younger brother and stole the head of the pig they had used as a sacrifice to the gods. We roasted it during a bonfire in the mountains. For the soldiers who have not eaten a good meal over the past few days, eating a small piece of pork head meat is even more delicious than eating exotic delicacies today.


Supervisor quickly interjected, “General, you are wise and brilliant. Because you are able to survive the terrible moments, you will truly have a lot of luck and blessings approaching you right now! ”


The imperial envoy immediately laughed out loud, “Whether I have a blessing in the future or not, I don't really care! I'm so happy today, do you know why? I finally found my master and younger brother, who had lost contact for over thirty years! ”


“Congratulations, Milord, congratulations, Milord! This is truly a lucky event !! ” Supervisors used that opportunity to flatter the man.


The imperial envoys faced the docks flanked on each side with simple and crude-looking buildings. He commented, “Are you done discussing the compensation that will be given to those whose huts will be dismantled? The emperor himself once said that the construction of the port is an important thing that will benefit the country and its people. We really can't do anything that would make commoners complain and hate this! ”


“Emperor is a wise ruler who loves commoners like his own children. This lowly one greatly admired him.. ”Supervisor hastily expressed his feelings of loyalty.


The imperial envoy ignored his attempt to flatter and continued, “Save your breath on this empty sentence! Less talk and more action! The port line needs to be widened at least twice its current width and the huts on both sides need to be torn down! I already have money to compensate people with me, so you need to discuss this carefully with commoners.


“Yes yes! This lowly fellow will actually do this in such a way that you will be satisfied! ” The supervisor nodded his head angrily, as if he was trying to pound garlic paste with his chin.


The imperial envoy waved his hand and walked forward while saying, “That's not enough to make me satisfied, you should make sure the commoners are happy too! Naturally, those who want to gouge us should not be fully controlled! Li Li, you should give your help to .. ”


This lowly surname was Liang! The supervisor bowed and nodded his head with a bright smile on his face.


“Good! You should help Supervisor Liang in this matter! ” The imperial noble envoy checked the situation around the pier as he slowly walked towards the beach.


The number of people lining up at the boiled food vendors slowly declined. Unknowingly, the imperial envoy and his subordinates arrived at Liu's noodle stall.


The old Liu and his wife trembled in fear when they saw the man wearing an official robe. They were so scared that they could not speak.


“Old couple, fear not! I noticed that your business is quite good so I want to buy a bowl of noodles to try .. ”In front of an elderly couple who are obviously frightened, I want to buy a bowl of noodles to try, the royal envoy did his best to relax his rough and scary face into a friendly smile. Unfortunately, the opposite effect occurs. His attempt to smile made him look more fierce and threatening.


“Eh? Aren't you.. Aren't you Brother Han's martial uncle ?! ” When Xiaocao saw that there were only four to five people left in line, he felt like he could finally rest. A familiar voice rang out in his ears, so he turned to look. Uh! The large, muscular man wearing an official robe with qilin embroidery on it was Fang Zizhen, whom they had met by chance in the prefecture city. Why is he at the dock? And also wearing that office robe?


The royal envoy, Fang Zizhen, looked up calmly. Eh? Isn't this the youngest daughter of her foster brother? A little girl named Xiaocao? He took a closer look at her, aiyo! Perhaps his eyes were blurred, but surprisingly there were two Yu Xiaocao in front of him …


“My lord, you don't see anything! They are actually twins! ” Unbeknownst to him, Fang Zizhen actually said his thoughts out loud.


Fang Zizhen looked at the copper pot in front of the two sisters. The contents of the pot bubbled quickly and a strong and fragrant smell continued to flow into the air. He chuckles, “Ah Xiaocao! Apparently one famous copper coin per serving of food boiled in the dock is the result of your family skills ah! ”


Not much boiled food is left in the pot. Xiaocao smiled sincerely at him, “Yup! General Fang, do you want to give it a try? ”


Initially, Fang Zizhen was not hungry, but after smelling the tempting smell of food, he could not help but slap his lips slightly, “Oke ah! Then I'll try some.. ”.


Fang Zizhen's other subordinate, Wu Yun, secretly reminded him, “God, this food is made from the intestines and innards of pigs. We don't know if they've been cleaned properly, so you can't possibly eat these! ”


Before Wu Yun could finish his thoughts, his master glared at him. Fang Zizhen coldly snorted and said, “It seems that you have been living a relaxed life for too long and forgot what it feels like to be poor! I heard that the northwestern border is quite crowded, what if this general suggested you go there to strengthen a bit? ”


“Old man! Give me a bowl of boiled noodle soup! Xiaocao, please cut Uncle Fang a plate of pork head meat! ” Fang Zizhen lifted his official robe and sat on the bench whose legs were missing.


Old Liu's mouth trembled. He wanted to say something but was too afraid to do it. He looked at Yu Xiaocao as a plea for help.


Xiaocao happily replied, “General Fang! The conditions on the dock were a bit rough, so Grandpa Liu did not prepare the boiled noodle soup here. What if you told her to roll out noodles for green vegetables and egg noodle soup? ”


“Green vegetables and egg noodle soup? Not good, not good! Yesterday I ate tomato soup and egg noodles at my employer's house, and it tasted so good! ” Fang Zizhen slapped his lips as he reminisced. He has lived for over forty years and this is the first time he has heard of the use of ‘persik wolf’ as a dish. It tastes so good!


He mostly just mentioned it and did not have much hope. Fortunately, Yu Xiaocao, whose family grew tomatoes, happily picked some ripe tomatoes as he went to sell food. He originally planned to eat it when he felt thirsty. With tomatoes and eggs in hand, there's no need to worry if they can make tomato soup and egg noodles, right?


Old Yu finally managed to get out the word “maaf” when Yu Xiaocao attracted his attention with a bright smile on his face. He spoke to Fang Zizhen, “General Fang, if you feel it's okay, I can help you make this tomato soup and egg noodles for you! First of all I will collect a plate of boiled food for you to eat. In fifteen minutes, the noodles will also be ready. ”


A shocked expression appeared on Fang Zizhen's face as he said, “Is there really a tomato? Uh! I remember, the tomatoes we had yesterday at my master's house were sent from your family! Haha, then I am very lucky with the food today! I heard that when eaten raw, tomatoes have a sweet sour taste that is quite delicious. Give me one so I can try it now! ”


Xiaocao looked at the washed tomatoes in his basket and picked the largest and reddest. He placed it into the hands of General Fang and used the other two to cut into small cubes.


Old Liu finally realized that the high official in front of him was not so scary. Under Xiaocao's direction, he quickly took out a bundle of noodles.


Xiaocao first put the lard in a pot with some chopped onions for the taste to develop. After that, he placed the chopped tomatoes into hot oil and immediately stirred them until a thick soup appeared. Then, he poured the chicken eggs he had already beaten into the pot. After the egg began to harden, he mixed the contents lightly. Next, he added the appropriate amount of water and let it boil before he stuffed the noodles into it. After boiling again, he added salt and green vegetables, mixed them all together, and was ready to serve!


Tomato soup and egg noodles are brightly colored and have a rich aroma. It attracts the attention of many people around them. Which worker on the dock has seen a tomato before? One after another, they all asked Old Yu the name of the dish and also the price.


Old Yu looked at Yu Xiaocao and hesitated before he replied, “Those tomatoes are from Xiaocao. I have lived for a long time but I have never seen this type of food before. Maybe.. It's not cheap, is it? ”


Yu Xiaocao nodded and agreed, “Tomat is indeed not cheap. For the good ones, there are about dozens of copper coins for a catty! This bowl of tomato soup and egg noodles might cost around thirty to forty copper coins for the ingredients and work alone. If there is an uncle around here who wants to try, you can order it first with Grandpa Liu. ”


There, Fang Zizhen had already started eating impatiently. The scorching hot temperature caused him to inhale the cold air sharply, but he still could not bear to take out the boiling hot noodles from his mouth.


After the full mouthful of noodles ran out, he closed his eyes continuously and repeatedly praised her, “Xiaocao ah, you are truly talented! This bowl of tomato soup and egg noodles is even tastier than the one I ate yesterday at my employer's house! Uncle Fang is a rude person, so I don't know how to use beautiful words to describe this —— however, this is really very delicious. ”


As he spoke, he used his chopsticks to take out another portion of noodles and carefully blew air over it before he ate it in a large mouthful. The other people around them inevitably swallowed saliva as the way he ate showed just how delicious this noodle was.


Wu Yun took the opportunity to take the remaining noodles in the pot and put them in a bowl with half the broth in it. He drank the filling in a big gulp. Master must eat noodles but at least he can drink soup. As soon as the noodle soup hit his tongue, a slightly sour and savory taste spread throughout his mouth. It felt so good that she almost wanted to cry.


After she had eaten more than half a bowl of noodles, Fang Zizhen finally had the urge to try the boiled food plate that Xiaocao had sliced for her. Whether it's the tender, flavorful pork head meat, or the crunchy pork ears, or the gut that keeps people's mouths filled with delicious oils, they're all considered the best delicacies. Even seaweed and dried tofu have a distinctive and delicious taste.


Fang Zizhen had been an official for many years and traveled frequently. Therefore, he had tried many so-called delicious foods before. However, none of those delicacies seemed to have the taste of these simple and deceptive-looking boiled ingredients that were more suited to him.


Although he had not previously been too hungry, Fang Zizhen managed to finish off a large bowl of noodle soup along with an entire plate of boiled food. He rubbed his full stomach and praised him, “Ah! Your skills are pretty good !! I would have never expected that you, Xiaocao, at such a young age, would be able to cook so well. This boiled food was even more delicious than the one served at Zhenxiu Restaurant in the city. The taste can compete with their roasted chicken and salted duck! ”


Xiaolian giggled, “God, you must not have known that the food boiled at Zhenxiu Restaurant ... was made from the recipe that our family sold to them!”


He also wanted to mention that roasted chicken and duck osmanthus were also recipes Xiaocao developed, but he was stopped by his little sister who pulled the tip of his jacket. After he got the hint, he only mentioned boiled food.


“Beach! Apparently your family's boiled food is the most authentic ah! ” Fang Zizhen is in a very good mood!