Chapter 26: New Neighbors in the Alley

In the blink of an eye, more than half a month had passed.  There was some distance between the Zhu residence and Xie Jiu’er’s rented house.  Besides cooking for the Zhu family, she didn’t have much time to spend at home.

As the New Year approached, the streets became more lively.  Recently, she heard people discussing that the court was starting to count the farming population to prepare for distributing seeds next year.  Of course, the seeds weren’t free; they had to be returned to the court after harvest.

Xie Jiu’er’s family had moved to the county and didn’t plan to take advantage of this.  The villagers had likely returned, but Xie Jiu’er felt it no longer concerned them.

On her way to the Zhu residence, the sky was gray, and heavy snow fell.  Xie Jiu’er licked her lips; she suddenly craved hot pot, but there were no fresh vegetables.  Making hot pot for herself, let alone for the Zhu family, was impossible.

At the Zhu residence, Xie Jiu’er decided to make dry pot instead.  She sliced potatoes and bamboo shoots thinly, cleaned the mushrooms, and prepared stewed and diced chicken and several large shrimp.  She first cooked the vegetables and vermicelli, then stewed the mushrooms and shrimp.

She divided the ingredients into two portions.  She made a mild version for Mr. Zhu and the children.

Then, she stir-fried the chilies with scallions, ginger, and peppercorns, making a spicy dry pot for Madam Zhu.  After cooking, she transferred it to a clay pot with charcoal underneath.  The ground was already covered in snow.

The Zhu family enjoyed the steaming dry pot, the house filled with children’s laughter. After Xie Jiu’er finished cooking, she and Aunt Zhang and her husband ate in the kitchen.

Aunt Zhang was in charge of cleaning and chores, and her husband was responsible for shopping and guarding the gate.  In this hierarchical society, Xie Jiu’er knew she was just a servant in the eyes of Mr. and Mrs. Zhu, even though modern nannies might eat with their employers.

The feeling of inferiority wasn’t pleasant, but nobody thought it was inappropriate in this era.  Moreover, Madam Zhu had treated her very well.

The Zhu residence was her best option.  Madam Zhu’s family loved her cooking, which was a guarantee of her livelihood.  She had earned a few taels at the tailor shop, but such opportunities weren’t daily occurrences.

After dinner, Xie Jiu’er braved the snow and went to a newly opened grain shop, buying half a bag of flour, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili peppers, spending half a tael.

After coming to the county, Xie Jiu’er realized that grain wasn’t scarce; it was just in the hands of a few, and the prices were exorbitant.

The flour of this era contained some bran; it was yellowish and dull, but Xie Jiu’er was happy to buy flour without additives. At least it was healthy!

Xie Jiu’er had been eating well at the Zhu residence for over half a month, her complexion visibly improved.  But Zhou shi and Wuyang, newly arrived in the county, were still saving food.

Seeing the Zhu family’s happy scene, she decided to make dumplings for her family.

As she reached her door and knocked, before her door opened, the next-door door opened. Xie Jiu’er looked and saw a woman with slanted eyes, about thirty years old, peering out.  When she rented the house, the alley was empty. In less than a month, there was a new neighbor.

“Oh, you’re back, girl. What are you doing running around all day? Did you buy something good?”

“Nothing much. Who are you?” Xie Jiu’er was puzzled. With such high walls, how did she know about her schedule?

“Call me Aunt Fang. We’re neighbors; let’s keep in touch!” Aunt Fang’s eyes fell on the bag of flour in Xie Jiu’er’s arms.

Xie Jiu’er instinctively covered the flour with her sleeve. Aunt Fang changed her expression. “Tsk, a widowed mother and child; what good things could you have?  So secretive.”

Xie Jiu’er ignored her. Aunt Fang, seeing Xie Jiu’er’s indifference, continued to watch.  Zhou shi, holding sewing, rushed out to open the door.

Seeing Xie Jiu’er carrying something, she was about to speak, but seeing Aunt Fang, she smiled awkwardly and said nothing.

Inside, Zhou shi saw the flour and was heartbroken. “We still have food; why did you waste money?”

Wuyang, young and excited, learned about the flour.  They had dried mushrooms and ground moss. Xie Jiu’er quickly mixed the flour, preparing to make dumplings. After the dough was ready, she covered it with a clay pot to let it rise.

Then, she diced and blanched the mushrooms and chopped wild onions.  Zhou shi watched and learned. “Jiu’er, you and Wuyang never ate flour when you were young. When did you learn to do this?”

Xie Jiu’er hesitated and explained, “Mother, when we picked wild vegetables on the mountain, we passed by the landlord’s house and smelled the meat. We secretly looked a few times.

We’re used to simple food. My cooking isn’t exceptionally good, but there’s a shortage of skilled cooks, so my skills impressed Madam Zhu.  As for our family, it’s our first time eating meat and flour, so no matter how I cook, you’ll find it delicious.”

Zhou shi nodded. “That’s true. The first time we ate taro, I thought it was delicious even boiled in plain water.”

They made dozens of dumplings. Zhou shi boiled water, and Xie Jiu’er prepared a dipping sauce with vinegar and chili peppers.

The dumplings were cooked quickly.  Zhou shi and Wuyang ate carefully, examining each dumpling before eating slowly.

Wuyang ate about ten. “It’s so delicious! Just like the first time I ate meat. I wish we could eat this every day.”

Xie Jiu’er stopped eating. “If we work hard, we can afford this. It depends on whether you’re willing to work hard.”

Wuyang immediately stood up. “As long as I can eat delicious food and not be hungry or cold, I’m willing to work hard.”