Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qiao Xuan nodded eagerly, fully in agreement. She too was salivating at the thought of the grilled mutton and had no objections to their plan.
With their decision made, they wasted no time and quickly packed up the goats before heading back home. Despite the size of the wild goats, weighing approximately 75KG, their team was strong and capable, making it easy for them to carry the animals.
Qi confidently claimed that the larger wild goat weighed around 45KG and proceeded to effortlessly carry it on his own. This left the others in awe and shock at his strength and ability.
Shao Sanlang quickly interjected, "Put it down, you can't handle it alone. Let the Fifth Brother help you carry the weight!'
Qi swiftly took a step back, evading Shao Sanlangs attempt to assist him. He smiled confidently, showing no signs of embarrassment. "No need, Third Brother. 1 can manage on my own. I'll ask for help if I need it, but for now, you don't have to worry."
Shao Yunduan chimed in, concerned for his younger brother's well-being. "Don't push yourself too hard. You're still young, and you could risk injuring yourself."
Qi maintained his smile, undeterred. "Third Brother, Fifth Brother, you underestimate me. Have your conversation, and I'll take care of this myself!"
Determined to prove himself, the young Qi walked away with the goats, not waiting for his brothers to catch up.
Shao Yunduan shook his head in a mixture of amusement and concern. Worried about any potential accidents, he didn't want to risk further delays and quickly joined in, shouldering the other goat.
By the time they arrived home, it was just past lunchtime. Closing the door behind them, they wasted no time in processing the two goats.
Qiao Xuan took special care to prepare a pot of fresh goat intestines soup. In addition, she rolled out noodles for dinner and added them to the soup to cook. Fresh mountain mushrooms were included, and a layer of chili oil, chopped green onions, and coriander adorned the dish. The result was a warm and flavorful soup that delighted the senses.
As they busied themselves with preparations, the anticipation for the grilled meat at dinner began to grow.
They carefully selected the most tender mutton and sliced it into pieces of medium thickness. These slices were then marinated with a variety of spices,
while fish and shrimp were also prepared alongside a freshly killed chicken. A
selection of vegetables was also gathered, ensuring a well-rounded meal.
With everything else in order, Qiao Xuan pondered for a moment before heading to the garden. There, she plucked two large dragon fruits and two ripe watermelons. She instructed Taotao to make some red bean paste, while Yang Xiaoni prepared a bowl of finely chopped nut crumbs. In addition, they boiled brown sugar water and set aside a large basin of jelly.
To create a delectable dessert, they cut the fruit into bite- sized pieces and added a generous spoonful of soft, sweet red bean paste. Crispy chopped nuts were sprinkled over the top, and a drizzle of mint juice added a refreshing touch. To complete the dish, each person added jelly according to their own preferences. The result was a delightful combination of flavors and textures that perfectly complemented the grilled feast.
Their only regret was the absence of ice cubes, which would have enhanced the overall taste and experience. They had heard that saltpeter could be used to make ice, but Qiao Xuan was unsure of the process and had no means of obtaining saltpeter. She decided to discuss this matter with Yuezheng Xiao, hoping to find a solution.
iven the large number of people in the family, the remaining meat, after removing other side dishes, was not a substantial amount. It could only be stored for a few days. They distributed approximately 5 kg of meat to each of the second and third sections of the family. Despite receiving a relatively small portion, neither section complained and accepted the meat graciously.
Ms. Fang observed this scene with great joy, appreciating the spirit of harmony and sharing within the family.
As their lives continued to improve, Shao Yunduan's prospects for success grew brighter. Ms. Fang, being an open-minded person, didn't bother with petty disagreements as long as she remained content. However, this condition was contingent upon them not causing her any trouble.
Qiao Xuan found a reason to invite Ms. Yan to her home, allowing her to join the first section of the family in enjoying the grilled food and jelly. With Ms. Zhang gone, Ms. Yan shouldered more responsibilities, but she felt a sense of comfort in her life. Therefore, she happily accepted Qiao Xuan's invitation..