Chapter 250: It Smells So Good!
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Food cooked using an earthen stove and heated with firewood was far more delicious than its counterparts cooked on conventional gas stoves. There was something magical in how the fire burned, making the food more fragrant and far tastier than usual.
Su Wen carefully monitored the wok, checking every once in a while to ensure the pheasant was cooked just right; only when it was would its flavor come through. Once the meat became tender, she told Su Qing to stop adding firewood to the stove. Meanwhile, Su Wen kneaded some dough, dipping it in water before pressing it against the sides of the heated wok until fully covered.
“Success! One earthen pot pheasant coming right up!” The dish had always been one of her favorites; it was a shame so few could prepare it, especially in the big cities. Even if they tried to replicate it, it was not the same- -there was always something missing.
“It smells so good!” Su Qing exclaimed, inhaling the heady scent that filled the kitchen.
“Of course, it should.” Su We smiled smugly. “By the way, where’s Su Xiu? Why haven’t I seen her around?”
Ever since she had handed over the responsibility to Su Xiu, she would usually be in the kitchen or somewhere close at hand to help. Su Xiu had come a long way since taking up the mantle from her and was much more skilled than Su Qing.
“She said she was feeling unwell and had a headache, so she’s resting in her room.”
“Oh? Did she catch a cold? Does she have a fever? Why does she have a headache?”
“It rained last night… Maybe that’s why she caught a cold?” Recently, it had been raining in the middle of the night, and the temperature would suddenly drop. Su Xiu often did not cover up, citing the heat whenever she went to bed, only to wake up shivering from head to toe in the night from the sudden downpour.
Su Wen was aware of this.
“It’s probably a cold. I’ll prepare some ginger tea for her; make sure she drinks it while it’s hot. Still, it’s good she’s perspiring and hasn’t lost her appetite. It would be a pity if she missed the feast- -it isn’t every day you get to eat wild game freshly caught.”
“Yes, that’s true. I’m sure it’s nothing serious,” Su Qing replied, nodding. She suddenly remembered that the following day was a Saturday, and her heart skipped a beat. “Big Sister, do you think Auntie will swing by tomorrow? She usually comes during the weekend.”
“If Su Xuefang has the gall to show her face, I’ll show her the true meaning of fear!” Su Wen sneered.
If Zhao Jiangang was ranked first in her little black book of names, then Su Xufang ranked second, and Shi Caiyue ranked third.
Those three occupied the top three spots on her ‘Most Hated’ list.
She had already dealt with Zhao Jiangang, beating him up so many times in a row that whether he could still perform his duties as a man was up in the air. While some condemned her as a demon for what she had done, her actions ensured they would never have to fear his sexual advances again. Su Xuefang could join Zhao Jiangang in his misery if she chose to step on her toes too.
Now that she thought about it… Wasn’t it around this time in the novel that Su Xuefang would enact her dastardly plot?
Su Wen did not need to think further to know Su Xuefang would try to brainwash her when she visited them over the weekend. That woman would coax and lie, tricking her into sending her two sisters to their doom; it was what she had done in the novel.
Su Xuefang was truly detestable.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” Su Wen said, a firmness to her tone which inspired courage.
Su Qing believed her older sister. Her older sister had taught her many things;
she was no longer the Su Qing of the past.
“I’m not afraid at all.” Su Qing reached for a plate and handed it to Su Wen. “I always knew Auntie was up to no good. Would she have remembered me if it were as good an opportunity as she believed? I’m not dumb.” “It’s already a blessing that she isn’t actively trying to harm you.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Why would I lie? A person like her will do anything for money. Humph! If the factories in the South were so profitable, she would have kept word of it under wraps. She’s the sort who feels her immediate family should always be heads and shoulders above everyone else.”
Su Qing wholeheartedly believed her older sister’s assessment.
Su Xuefang had always been such an awful person since they were young. When their father was still alive, he had said the same things as her older sister now was.
“Don’t forget to wash the wok. I’ll see how Hengyang is holding up. Hopefully, the rabbit is still intact. We have more than enough prepared even if it isn’t. I’ll go to Aunt Chunyan’s house and see if she has any wine later..”